The Untold Story Behind Kevin Gates: What Is The Rapper's Real Name And His Shocking 2025 Tour Details?

The question "What is Kevin Gates' real name?" has become a common search query for fans captivated by his raw, introspective, and often controversial music. As of the current date, December 13, 2025, the multi-platinum certified rapper's legal name is Kevin Jerome Gilyard, a name that represents the man behind the influential hip-hop persona and the complex life story he shares through his lyrics. The Baton Rouge native has built a career on authenticity, translating his experiences with incarceration, fatherhood, and mental health struggles into chart-topping hits and cult-favorite mixtapes, making his journey from Kevin Gilyard to the global superstar Kevin Gates a compelling narrative in modern rap culture.

This deep dive will not only confirm his birth name but also explore the latest, most pressing updates in his life, including his highly anticipated 2025 tour, recent family developments, and the milestones that have cemented his place as a hip-hop heavyweight. From his early days in Louisiana to his current status as a successful entrepreneur and RIAA-certified artist, understanding Kevin Jerome Gilyard is essential to appreciating the depth of the artist known as Kevin Gates.

Kevin Gates: Full Biography and Profile (Kevin Jerome Gilyard)

Kevin Gates, whose real name is Kevin Jerome Gilyard, has one of the most compelling and tumultuous biographies in contemporary hip-hop. His life story is deeply intertwined with his music, often exploring themes of redemption, street life, and spirituality.

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• Real Name: Kevin Jerome Gilyard
• Stage Name: Kevin Gates
• Date of Birth: February 5, 1986
• Age (as of 2025): 39 years old
• Birthplace: Baton Rouge, Louisiana, U.S.
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: Rapper, Singer, Songwriter, Entrepreneur
• Genres: Hip-hop, Trap, Southern Hip-hop
• Years Active: 2007–present
• Wife: Dreka Gates (married 2015; estranged/divorce filed)
• Children: Islah Gilyard (Daughter) and Khaza Gilyard (Son)
• Debut Studio Album: Islah (2016)
• Record Label: Bread Winners' Association, Atlantic Records

Born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Kevin Gilyard’s early life was marked by poverty and frequent run-ins with the law. His biological father died when Kevin was just 14, an event that profoundly impacted his formative years. He began rapping at a young age, drawing inspiration from his environment and the struggles he faced. His first stint in prison at the age of 13 for auto theft set a pattern of incarceration that would punctuate his early career. Despite these challenges, he used music as an outlet, developing the raw, melodic, and deeply personal style that would later define his sound.

The Amilio Tour 2025: Fresh Music and Latest Updates

In a major announcement that has energized his fanbase, Kevin Gates is set to embark on his national "The Amilio Tour" in 2025. This tour is a crucial development for the artist, signaling a full-throttle return to the live music scene and providing fresh, current content for his listeners. The tour, which is scheduled for various dates throughout the year, is being hosted by the popular DJ Chose across all dates, with special guests including GELO and Rob Kazi.

The name "The Amilio Tour" itself has sparked curiosity, possibly alluding to a new personal or musical chapter for the rapper, known for his cryptic and meaningful titles. Fans are speculating that the tour will feature new material, possibly from the highly anticipated *Luca Brasi 4* mixtape, which is rumored to be dropping in 2025. The *Luca Brasi* series, named after a character from The Godfather, is one of Gates' most celebrated mixtape lines, known for its street anthems and emotional depth. The prospect of a new installment in 2025 has created a significant buzz within the hip-hop community, promising a return to the raw storytelling that catapulted him to fame.

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Recent reports also hint at other new music, including "The No Limit 5K Mix Lost Tape," which further emphasizes the rapper's dedication to continuously releasing fresh content for his dedicated following. The tour dates, which extend into the fall of 2025, including stops at venues like the Moody Amphitheater in Austin, TX, and KEMBA Live! in Columbus, OH, confirm that Kevin Gates is making a major commitment to connecting with his audience through live performances.

From Mixtape King to Mainstream Success: The Kevin Gates Discography

The journey of Kevin Jerome Gilyard to becoming a multi-platinum artist is a testament to his relentless work ethic and unique artistic vision. His career was built on a foundation of critically acclaimed mixtapes before he achieved mainstream success with his debut album. The authenticity of his music, which often blurs the lines between rapping and singing, is what truly sets him apart.

Key Mixtapes and Early Career Milestones

Gates first gained significant traction in the early 2010s with a string of influential mixtapes. These projects, often released independently or through his Bread Winners' Association (BWA) label, established his sound and garnered a massive underground following. Key mixtapes that are essential to understanding his career include:

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• The Luca Brasi Story (2013): This mixtape is widely considered his breakthrough project, showcasing his blend of gritty street narratives and melodic hooks.
• Stranger Than Fiction (2013): Released shortly after, this mixtape further solidified his status, peaking at number 37 on the Billboard 200 chart.
• By Any Means (2014): This project continued his momentum, featuring collaborations and deep, introspective tracks.

These mixtapes were vital in building the topical authority and foundation for his later success. They introduced LSI keywords and entities like "Luca Brasi," "BWA," and his signature raw style into the hip-hop lexicon.

The Success of Islah and Beyond

In 2016, Kevin Gates released his long-awaited debut studio album, Islah, named after his daughter. The album was a massive commercial success, peaking at number two on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart. Islah featured his biggest commercial hit, the multi-platinum single "2 Phones," which perfectly exemplified his ability to fuse catchy melodies with street-conscious lyrics. The success of Islah officially transitioned Kevin Jerome Gilyard from a mixtape king to a mainstream rap superstar.

Following Islah, Gates released other successful projects, including the album I'm Him (2019) and Khaza (2022), named after his son, continuing the tradition of deeply personal and family-focused album titles. His discography, which includes five studio albums, three EPs, and nineteen mixtapes, highlights his prolific output and consistent presence in the music industry.

The Latest Personal Life Updates: Divorce and Family

The personal life of Kevin Gates has been just as public and tumultuous as his music career, and recent developments involving his marriage have dominated the news. Kevin Gates married his long-time girlfriend, Dreka Haynes, in October 2015. Dreka, an entrepreneur and Gates' business partner, played a significant role in his career and public image.

The couple shares two children, a daughter named Islah and a son named Khaza. Both children's names have been immortalized through the titles of his studio albums, underscoring the importance of family in his life. However, in a major update, Dreka Gates filed for divorce in July 2025, citing irreconcilable differences after nearly a decade of marriage.

The divorce proceedings have brought additional scrutiny, particularly regarding financial matters. Dreka is reportedly seeking joint legal and physical custody of Islah and Khaza, as well as spousal and child support. Reports suggest that Dreka has accused the rapper of withholding financial support, which has become a contentious issue in the ongoing legal separation. This recent development provides a stark, current backdrop to the rapper’s 2025 tour, adding another layer of personal complexity to the public persona of Kevin Jerome Gilyard.

The candidness with which Kevin Gates addresses his struggles—from overcoming depression and early incarceration to his current personal challenges—is why his music resonates so deeply. His ability to turn his real name, Kevin Jerome Gilyard, into an iconic brand, Kevin Gates, while remaining authentic to his experiences, is the core of his enduring legacy and topical authority in the world of hip-hop.