The Incredible Net Worth of Rapper Kevin Gates

Kevin Gates has become one of the most popular and successful rappers of the past decade. Through a mix of raw talent, hustle, and controversy, he has amassed an impressive fortune and become a major figure in the hip hop world. But how much is Kevin Gates worth today? Let’s take a closer look at his career, earnings, assets, and current net worth.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Kevin Jerome Gilyard was born in February 1986 in New Orleans, Louisiana. He had a turbulent childhood, getting kicked out of school and getting involved in drug dealing by his teen years.

At 17, Kevin Gates began taking rap more seriously. He released his first mixtape ‘Pick of Da Litter’ in 2007 under the name Kevin GILYARD. After a stint in jail, he committed fully to music and adopted the moniker Kevin Gates in 2013.

His 2013 mixtape ‘The Luca Brasi Story’ first started generating buzz. Singles like “4:30 AM” and “Satellites” displayed Gates’ raw lyrical talent. He signed to Atlantic Records shortly after.

Breakout Years and Major Albums

Gates’ career reached new heights with the release of his debut studio album ‘Islah’ in 2016. The record debuted at #2 on the Billboard 200, fueled by smash hits like:

• “2 Phones”
• “Really Really”
• “Time for That”

‘Islah’ was certified platinum and remains Gates’ best-selling album. It earned him new legions of fans drawn to his unique melodic flow and introspective lyrics.

He capitalized on the momentum with joint projects and mixtapes like 2017’s ‘By Any Means 2’ with rapper Tory Lanez. Gates also landed features with artists like Ty Dolla $ign, Lil Baby, and Lil Durk.

Lucrative Record Deal and Touring

A huge source of Gates’ wealth stems from his lucrative record contract with Atlantic Records. Though exact terms weren’t disclosed, industry insiders estimate the deal was worth at least $15 million.

Kevin Gates has released numerous chart-topping projects with Atlantic including EP ‘Luca Brasi 3’ (2018) and albums ‘I’m Him’ (2019) and ‘Only the Generals Gon Understand’ (2020).

Touring and live performances have also earned Kevin Gates massive payouts over the years. He grosses over $150,000 per show depending on the market and venue size. Topping the bill at major summer festivals like Rolling Loud nets Gates six-figure paydays as well.

Diverse Business Ventures and Investments

Beyond music, Gates has earned big money from business moves like:

• Launching his own BWA clothing line
• Opening a phone accessories store in Baton Rouge
• Investing in real estate assets across the South
• Inking lucrative brand endorsement deals

Gates has also monetized his fame online through YouTube, where his channel has over 1.7 million subscribers.

Kevin Gates Net Worth Summary

After tallying up his assets, here is a summary of Kevin Gates’ net worth:

• Music sales: $8 million+
• Touring and shows: $10 million+
• Record deal: $15 million+
• Business ventures: $5+ million
• YouTube/Social media: $1+ million

This puts Gates’ current total net worth estimate around $40 million. His wealth will likely continue rising as he releases more albums, tours, and strikes new business deals.

Legal Troubles and Controversies

While clearly talented and business-savvy, Gates has also been embroiled in numerous controversies over the years that negatively impacted his earnings.

He’s faced weapons, drug, and domestic violence charges resulting in jail time. A 2017 felony gun possession case led to a 30-month prison sentence. Other legal issues have forced Gates to cancel tours and album releases.

Despite these roadblocks, Kevin Gates has bounced back, rebuilding his career and wealth. His raw charisma continues attracting legions of loyal fans.

At just 36, Gates is now one of the richest rappers in the game with an estimated $40 million net worth. By staying prolific and adventurous with new projects and business ventures, Gates should continue growing his incredible fortune for years to come.

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