Why Did Kevin Gates Go to Prison?

Kevin Gates is a well-known rapper and singer who has made a name for himself in the music industry. However, he has also had his fair share of legal troubles, including a stint in prison. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind Kevin Gates’ imprisonment and the impact it had on his life and career.

1. Introduction

Kevin Gates is an American rapper, singer, and entrepreneur known for his unique style and emotional lyrics. However, his career has been overshadowed by legal troubles, including multiple arrests and prison sentences.

In this article, we will examine the reasons behind Kevin Gates’ incarceration, including his early life, music career, and legal issues. We will also discuss the impact his imprisonment had on his personal and professional life and the controversy surrounding his case.

2. Early Life and Music Career

Kevin Gates was born on February 5, 1986, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He grew up in poverty and was exposed to crime and violence from a young age. Gates began rapping in his early teens as a way to cope with his difficult upbringing.

In 2007, Kevin Gates released his first mixtape, “Pick of Da Litter,” which gained attention in the local music scene. He followed it up with several more mixtapes, including “All or Nuthin” and “The Luca Brasi Story.”

Gates’ music quickly gained a loyal following, and he signed a record deal with Atlantic Records in 2013. He went on to release several successful albums, including “Islah,” which debuted at number two on the Billboard 200 chart.

3. Legal Troubles Begin

Despite his success, Kevin Gates’ life has been plagued by legal troubles. He has been arrested multiple times on charges ranging from drug possession to assault.

In 2008, Gates was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance. He was later convicted and sentenced to 31 months in prison.

4. 2008 Arrest and Conviction

Kevin Gates’ 2008 arrest and conviction stemmed from an incident in which he was caught with a bag of marijuana and a handgun during a traffic stop. Gates was initially charged with two counts of possession of a controlled substance, including the marijuana and the gun, as well as possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Gates pleaded guilty to the charges and was sentenced to 31 months in prison. He was released in 2011 and resumed his music career.

5. Release and Continued Legal Issues

After his release from prison, Kevin Gates continued to have legal troubles. In 2013, he was arrested again, this time for an outstanding warrant related to an unpaid traffic ticket.

Gates was also involved in several altercations with fans and other musicians, including a 2015 incident in which he kicked a female fan during a concert in Florida. The incident was caught on video and went viral, sparking widespread criticism.

6. 2013 Arrest and Sentence

In 2013, Kevin Gates was arrested and charged with battery after allegedly kicking a fan at a concert in Lakeland, Florida. He pleaded not guilty to the charge and was eventually sentenced to 180 days in jail.

Gates’ sentence was later reduced to 90

7. Release and Return to Music

Kevin Gates was released from prison in early 2014 after serving his 90-day sentence. He returned to his music career and released several successful mixtapes, including “Luca Brasi 2” and “Murder for Hire.”

In 2016, Gates released his debut studio album, “Islah,” which became a commercial and critical success. The album was certified platinum and spawned several hit singles, including “2 Phones” and “Really Really.”

8. 2016 Assault Case and Prison Sentence

In 2016, Kevin Gates was involved in another altercation, this time at a concert in Florida. Gates allegedly kicked a female fan in the chest after she grabbed his leg during a performance. He was charged with battery and found guilty in October 2016.

Gates was sentenced to 180 days in jail but was released early on parole. However, he was immediately re-arrested for an outstanding warrant related to a weapons charge in Illinois. Gates was extradited to Illinois and sentenced to 30 months in prison.

9. Controversy Surrounding Kevin Gates’ Incarceration

Kevin Gates’ imprisonment has been surrounded by controversy, with many of his fans and supporters questioning the fairness of his sentence. Some have argued that Gates’ status as a successful musician has made him a target for law enforcement and the justice system.

Others have pointed to issues with the legal system, including mandatory minimum sentences and racial disparities in sentencing, as factors in Gates’ case.

Despite the controversy, Kevin Gates has continued to release music from prison, including the mixtape “By Any Means 2” in 2017.

10. Conclusion

Kevin Gates’ imprisonment has had a significant impact on his life and career. He has faced multiple legal issues throughout his career, including several arrests and prison sentences.

While some have questioned the fairness of Gates’ imprisonment, he has continued to release music and maintain a dedicated fan base. His experiences have also inspired him to become an advocate for criminal justice reform.

11. FAQs

1. How many times has Kevin Gates been to prison? Kevin Gates has been to prison multiple times, including a 31-month sentence in 2008 and a 30-month sentence in 2017.
2. What was Kevin Gates’ first mixtape? Kevin Gates’ first mixtape was “Pick of Da Litter,” which was released in 2007.
3. What is Kevin Gates’ most successful album? Kevin Gates’ most successful album is “Islah,” which debuted at number two on the Billboard 200 chart and was certified platinum.
4. Why was Kevin Gates’ imprisonment controversial? Kevin Gates’ imprisonment has been controversial due to issues with the legal system, including mandatory minimum sentences and racial disparities in sentencing.
5. Is Kevin Gates still making music? Yes, Kevin Gates has continued to release music from prison and remains a popular musician.