Kevin Gates’ deeply personal and often turbulent family history is the raw, emotional core of his music, providing a unique lens into the life of the Baton Rouge rapper. While the public knows him as a platinum-selling artist, the story of his parents—a young Puerto Rican mother and an absent, Moroccan/African American father—is a complex narrative of resilience, absence, and profound influence.

As of late 2025, the rapper, whose real name is Kevin Jerome Gilyard, is 39 years old, and the enduring themes of his upbringing continue to resonate with fans, particularly the powerful bond he shares with his mother, Lucille Gilyard, and the tragic circumstances surrounding his biological father. This is the definitive, updated look at the family that molded one of hip-hop's most compelling figures.

Kevin Gates: A Complete Biographical Profile

Kevin Gates, born Kevin Jerome Gilyard, has built a career on unfiltered honesty, which extends deeply into his personal and family life. His biography is a testament to overcoming a challenging start.

• Full Name: Kevin Jerome Gilyard
• Date of Birth: February 5, 1986
• Age (Current Date Reference): 39 (as of late 2025)
• Birthplace: New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
• Origin: Baton Rouge, Louisiana, U.S.
• Mother: Lucille Gilyard (Puerto Rican descent)
• Biological Father: Name largely unknown publicly (Moroccan/African American descent, died of AIDS)
• Siblings: Twin brother, Brandon Gilyard, and is the oldest of three siblings.
• Spouse: Dreka Gates (Shadreka Centuri Haynes)
• Children: Islah Koren Gates (daughter) and Khaza Kamil Gates (son)
• Occupation: Rapper, Singer, Songwriter, Entrepreneur
• Genres: Hip Hop, Gangsta Rap, Trap
• Record Label: Bread Winners' Association (BWA), Atlantic Records

The Shocking Truth About Kevin Gates' Mother, Lucille Gilyard

The relationship between Kevin Gates and his mother, Lucille Gilyard, is a cornerstone of his personal story, often referenced in his music as a source of both pain and strength. Lucille’s story is one of a young parent navigating immense hardship.

A Mother at Just 14 Years Old

One of the most striking details about Kevin Gates’ early life is that his mother, Lucille Gilyard, was reportedly only 14 years old when she gave birth to him.

This fact immediately frames his childhood in New Orleans and later Baton Rouge as one marked by instability and the challenges of a teenage mother trying to raise a family. Despite the difficult circumstances, Gates has consistently spoken about his mother’s efforts, noting that she "did the best she could as a parent."

Puerto Rican Heritage and a Tough Upbringing

Lucille Gilyard is of Puerto Rican descent, a heritage that contributes to Kevin Gates' own diverse background.

The family moved from New Orleans to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where Gates spent his formative years in a tough environment.

His mother, who worked as an English teacher, later remarried, introducing a stepfather into the family dynamic.

However, the new family structure was also challenging, leading Gates to spend a significant amount of his childhood under the care of his beloved grandmother.

The Tragic Absence and Death of His Biological Father

Kevin Gates’ biological father is a figure shrouded in mystery and tragedy, representing a deep emotional wound that the rapper has openly addressed in interviews and tracks like "Grandmotha Grave."

Discovering the Truth in 8th Grade

For much of his early life, Kevin Gates believed his stepfather was his biological father. The truth was revealed when he was in 8th grade, a moment that marked a significant turning point in his understanding of his family.

He eventually met his biological father, who was reportedly of Moroccan or African American descent, though details about his name remain private.

A Life Cut Short by AIDS

In a candid and heartbreaking revelation, Kevin Gates disclosed that his biological father died from AIDS.

This tragic loss and the earlier absence profoundly impacted Gates, forcing him to confront mortality and complex family issues at a young age. The tumultuous life and early death of his father serve as a recurring theme of pain and reflection in his lyrical content, contributing to the depth of his music.

How His Grandmother and Siblings Shaped His Resilience

While his parents' relationship was complex, the stability provided by other family members was crucial to Kevin Gates' survival and eventual success.

The Unwavering Influence of His Grandmother

The rapper's grandmother played a pivotal, almost parental role in his upbringing.

Gates has consistently credited her as a source of wisdom and unconditional love, particularly during the turbulent years in Baton Rouge.

The depth of their bond was highlighted when he released the song and video "Grandmotha Grave," a powerful tribute to her memory and influence.

He also made headlines for sharing a personal photo of her after her passing, demonstrating the profoundly raw and open nature of his grief and respect for her.

The Twin Brother and Siblings

Kevin Gates is the oldest of three siblings and has a twin brother named Brandon Gilyard.

Unlike his famous twin, Brandon Gilyard maintains a private life, reportedly pursuing a successful career as a businessman away from the public eye.

The presence of a twin brother adds another layer to the rapper's complex family structure, providing an entity who shared the exact same challenging childhood environment.

The Gates Family Legacy: From Trauma to Topical Authority

The story of Kevin Gates' parents is not just a collection of biographical facts; it is the foundation of his artistic persona and the source of his topical authority in hip-hop.

His willingness to discuss personal trauma—from his mother’s young age to his father's death from AIDS—has made his music resonate with millions.

Albums like Only The Generals Part II and his earlier mixtapes are filled with references to his upbringing, legal battles, and the pursuit of a better life for his wife, Dreka Gates (Shadreka Centuri Haynes), and his two children, Islah Koren Gates and Khaza Kamil Gates.

By transforming his challenging youth in New Orleans and Baton Rouge into honest, raw lyrical content, Kevin Gates has cemented his status as an artist whose life story is as compelling as his music.