Kevin Gates' mom was just 14 when he was born: How that shaped their bond
Although Kevin Gates' mom did not primarily raise him, the rapper emphasises that she ''did the best she could as a parent.'' In a February 2024 appearance on Hustlers N The Hood, Gates revealed that he holds no resentment towards her for his difficult childhood, saying:
My Mama was just a teenager when she had me. While I initially blamed her for some of my past trauma, I later realised that everything she did was because she loved me and was trying to protect me.
Source: Getty Images
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Key takeaways
- Kevin Gates often references his challenging upbringing in his tracks.
- His mother is Puerto Rican, while his father was African American.
- Mama Gates is reportedly a former English teacher.
- The name of Kevin's mother is not publicly known, and there is limited information about her.
Who is Kevin Gates' mom? A look at their once-strained relationship
In a February 2013 interview with XXL magazine, Kevin shared a glimpse of his childhood, revealing:
My mom had me at the Earl K. Long hospital in Baton Rouge. We lived in low-income housing as it was what she could afford then. However, my grandparents raised me after she got married.
During his appearance on Hustlers N The Hood, Gates confessed that he had forgiven his mom for many things, including not being a present mom for most of his childhood. He also advised fans with complicated family dynamics, stating:
All great men are born of a woman. Therefore, try to fix the relationship with your mother if you are not on good terms. Remember, she gave life to you!
Source: Getty Images
Kevin's dad was his mom's one true love
In a July 2022 interview with Yung Miami, Gates revealed that although his mom considered his dad her 'soulmate', their relationship was short-lived.
The singer was estranged from his father at a young age, but they reconnected when he was a teenager. While speaking on VladTV in 2014, Kevin disclosed that his dad passed away when he was 14 due to complications from AIDS.
Gates' mother was married for 14 years after separating from her baby's daddy
Kevin lived with his mother and two younger siblings after she married his stepdad, a plant worker. In his interview with XXL, Gates narrated how his life changed after he moved in with his mom, saying:
My stepfather earned a decent income from his job. We lived in the Southern region, where most employment opportunities are industrial-related. I had a good life while their marriage lasted.
While speaking with DJ Vlad, Kevin Gates praised his stepdad for being a father figure at some point. He said:
I would have never become a man of great character if it were not for him.
Source: Getty Images
Kevin and his mom share a close relationship
During a March 2025 appearance on Bobbi Altoff's The Really Good Podcast, Kevin called Mama Gates mid-interview to inform her that she would run late for their scheduled dinner. The rapper's gentle tone towards her shocked fans, who are used to his tough nature. He assured her:
I will keep my promise and come home tonight, Mama. I love you.
In the interview, Gates tried to describe his mom, who avoids the paparazzi and maintains a low-key profile, boasting:
My mom is beautiful and looks super young. You would mistake her for a 17-year-old. Several professional basketball players have approached me requesting to date her.
Music helped Kevin Gates deal with some of his childhood trauma
In a 2021 guest appearance on the Hotboxin' with Mike Tyson, Kevin shared that he was a victim of abuse for the first time.
I grew up violent and aggressive because I was [abused] as a child. I started boxing because of the fear of being vulnerable again. But music has always been an escape for me.
Source: Facebook
Gates' first run-in with the law was when he was 13, after he was arrested for joyriding in a stolen vehicle. The rapper has previously been charged with battery and illegal possession of a firearm.
FAQs
Is Kevin Gates' mom still alive?
There are no official reports regarding Mama Gates' demise. However, Kevin's dad passed away over two decades ago.
How old is Kevin Gates?
Gates (39 as of 2025) was born on 5 February 1986 in Louisiana, USA. He briefly attended Baton Rouge Community College.
Is Kevin Gates married?
Kevin tied the knot with Dreka Haynes in October 2015 but divorced in July 2025. He was entered into a Nikah marriage with social media personality Brittany Renner in April 2025, but divorced after 52 days.
Source: Getty Images
How rich is Kevin Gates?
According to Celebrity Net Worth, Kevin has an estimated net worth of $2 million. His income primarily stems from his musical career and business ventures.
In conclusion
While little is known about Kevin Gates' mom, his love for her is no secret. The rapper does not shy away from revealing that her early start to motherhood contributed to his tumultuous upbringing, but shares that he has since healed. The duo shares a strong mother-son bond.
READ MORE: Kevin Gates' brother, Brandon Gilyard, is a successful businessman
Briefly.co.za published lesser-known facts about Gates' younger brother, Brandon. As an entrepreneur, he founded the White House Administration record label and owns a wellness brand called My Healthy Highway, which deals in producing natural sea moss products.
Brandon is also a cellarman at Tin Roof Brewing Company. He lives in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where his grandmother raised him and his siblings. From his Facebook posts, Gilyard values family and occasionally pays tribute to them.
Proofreading by Kelly Lippke, copy editor at Briefly.co.za.
Source: Briefly News
