Kevin Gates Net Worth

What is Kevin Gates' Net Worth?

Kevin Gates is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, and entrepreneur who has a net worth of $4 million. In July 2025, Kevin's longtime wife filed for divorce. In October 2025, she made several interesting allegations regarding Kevin's real estate and finances that we detail later in this article below.

Emerging from the Baton Rouge, Louisiana scene, Gates built a loyal underground following in the early 2010s by blending gritty street narratives with melodic hooks and emotionally confessional lyrics. His breakthrough came after signing with Atlantic Records in partnership with his own imprint Bread Winners' Association — a move that helped translate his mixtape momentum into mainstream success. His debut studio album, "Islah" (2016), debuted at number two on the Billboard 200, fueled by hits like "Really Really" and "2 Phones." Since then, he has continued to release studio albums, mixtapes, and EPs, experimenting with his sound while maintaining a strong connection to his street-rooted origins. While legal troubles and personal challenges have sometimes slowed his output, Gates has nevertheless remained a consistent presence in hip-hop — delivering projects that often explore themes of prison, parenthood, mental health, and redemption — and solidifying his place as a distinctive voice in Southern rap.

Early Life

Kevin Gates was born on February 5th, 1986, in Louisiana, although his family moved to Baton Rouge shortly afterward. Gates' upbringing was not always pleasant, as his father wasn't part of his life, and he fell into crime from an early age. Gates was first arrested at the age of 13, although he did manage to attend community college for a brief spell. His father died shortly after Gates reconnected with him as a teen.

Early Career

Kevin Gates developed an interest in music as a teenager growing up in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. In 2007, he signed with the local label Dead Game Records, joining a small but influential wave of Baton Rouge artists that included Boosie Badazz (formerly Lil Boosie) and Webbie. Together, they helped establish Baton Rouge as a rising hub for Southern hip-hop. Gates appeared on several regional tracks alongside Boosie, gaining attention for his gravelly voice, emotional depth, and storytelling ability.

In 2008, just as his career began to build momentum, Gates was incarcerated on felony charges, halting his progress for several years. While in prison, he focused on self-improvement and eventually earned a master's degree in psychology, which later influenced the introspective and philosophical themes that would define his lyrics. After his release in 2011, Gates returned to music with a renewed sense of purpose. His mixtape "Make 'Em Believe" captured the attention of Young Money Entertainment, Lil Wayne's label, which briefly signed Gates to its management division. Though he never released music under the Young Money banner, Gates used the experience to study the business side of the industry and began envisioning his own independent path forward.

Breakthrough

By 2013, Kevin Gates launched his own label, Bread Winners' Association, and began releasing music independently. That year's mixtape "The Luca Brasi Story" became a major turning point. The project drew critical acclaim for its emotional honesty and sharp lyricism, leading to a deal with Atlantic Records. Gates followed it with the mixtapes "Stranger Than Fiction" (2013), "By Any Means" (2014), and "Luca Brasi 2" (2014), all of which expanded his fan base and solidified his reputation as one of the most authentic and prolific voices in Southern rap.

During this period, Gates toured extensively across the United States and built a passionate following that admired both his vulnerability and street credibility. However, his rising career was again interrupted when he faced additional legal troubles and a brief incarceration in 2015. Despite these setbacks, he continued to record and release new material from behind bars, maintaining his momentum in the rap world.

Getty Images

Debut Album and Later Work

After releasing more than a dozen mixtapes, Gates finally delivered his first studio album, "Islah," in 2016. Named after his daughter, the album was a breakthrough success, debuting at number two on the Billboard 200 and selling over 110,000 units in its first week. Powered by singles like "2 Phones," "Really Really," and "Time for That," the project was praised for blending melodic hooks with deeply personal lyrics about struggle, family, and perseverance.

Following the success of "Islah," Gates released a steady stream of projects, including the EPs "Chained to the City" (2018) and "Only the Generals Gon Understand" (2019). His second studio album, "I'm Him," arrived in 2019 and showcased his continued evolution as an artist, balancing introspection with his signature street-influenced grit. In 2022, he released his third studio album, "Khaza," which further cemented his staying power in modern hip-hop. Throughout his career, Gates has remained one of rap's most candid voices, known for addressing mental health, religion, trauma, and redemption in his music.

Business Ventures

Kevin Gates has long demonstrated a strong entrepreneurial streak. In addition to running his Bread Winners' Association label, he launched an energy drink brand called "I Don't Get Tired," inspired by one of his most popular songs. The phrase has since become a personal mantra and brand identity, symbolizing his relentless work ethic and resilience. Gates has also expanded into merchandise, fitness products, and digital ventures tied to his music and lifestyle brand.

Legal Issues

Gates's life has been punctuated by frequent legal troubles. He was first arrested at age 13 when he was a passenger in a stolen car, and in 2003, he served time for stabbing a man outside a movie theater following an argument. In 2013, he was arrested in Chicago on weapons charges and sentenced to 30 months in prison in Illinois. In 2016, he served a three-month sentence for kicking a female fan during a Florida concert.

After his release, Gates encountered additional restrictions under parole supervision, which he later challenged in court. In 2018, he filed a lawsuit against his parole officer and Illinois correctional officials for denying him permission to travel for performances. The case was eventually dismissed, but his parole was terminated early, allowing him to resume touring and recording without state limitations.

Personal Life

Kevin Gates married his longtime partner, Dreka Haynes, in October 2015. The couple has two children, Islah and Khaza, both of whom inspired his music and album titles. Gates has mentioned that he also has other children from previous relationships. He and Dreka are practicing Muslims and made the pilgrimage to Mecca for Hajj in 2016. Their relationship has often been discussed in his music and interviews, as Dreka has played an active role in his business operations and career management.

Divorce

In July 2025, Dreka Gates filed for divorce in Los Angeles County Superior Court, officially ending her decade-long relationship with rapper Kevin Gates. The petition cited irreconcilable differences and listed July 10, 2025 as their date of separation. Dreka requested joint legal and physical custody of their two minor children, as well as spousal support and attorney's fees, while asking the court to bar Kevin from seeking support from her.

In a subsequent October 2025 motion, Dreka asked the court to order Kevin to pay a combined $73,000 per month in support — $27,193 for child support and $46,274 in spousal support — to maintain the lifestyle she and the children had before the separation. She emphasized that she has been the primary caregiver, spending roughly 95% of her time with the children since 2023.

Dreka's filings contained serious financial allegations. She claimed that in late 2021 Kevin "dismantled the financial foundation of their family" by cutting off funds for essential expenses, including property taxes and private school tuition. At the same time, she alleged that he "flaunted his wealth," buying 18 luxury vehicles and acquiring a $4.7 million estate in Calabasas, California for himself. That home, purchased in May 2024 through a trust called "Grand Rising Trust," is a 3,686-square-foot residence in The Oaks gated community. Records show it was financed with a $3.3 million mortgage and remains in good standing with no reported liens or delinquencies.

Meanwhile, the couple's Mississippi farm — where Dreka and the children have continued to live — has become the center of the financial dispute. The 43-acre property, purchased in 2020 through their company Gates Family Farm LLC, is reportedly facing foreclosure following an IRS levy of roughly $7 million for unpaid taxes. Dreka claims Kevin's failure to pay both federal and local property taxes triggered the lien, putting their home and family business at risk.

Kevin has contested the divorce, arguing in court papers that he and Dreka "were never legally married." Though the two held a wedding ceremony in October 2015 that was widely regarded as their marriage, Kevin asserts it was not a legal civil marriage under state law. Despite his claims, Dreka's case is proceeding as a standard divorce in California family court, and no separate filings have been located in Louisiana or Mississippi.

Who's Richer?

Kevin
Gates

Compare!

Boosie
Badazz