This article explores the complete relationship timeline of rapper Kevin Gates and Dreka Gates, from their teenage romance through their controversial marriage, business partnership, family life, and recent separation. The piece examines the cousin marriage rumors that surrounded their relationship, their roles as co-parents and business partners, Kevin’s public infidelity admissions, and the circumstances leading to their split after over two decades together, providing context on their influence in hip-hop culture.
Kevin Gates and Dreka Gates have been one of hip-hop’s most discussed couples, with a relationship spanning over two decades that weathered controversy, business success, personal challenges, and ultimately separation. Their journey from teenage sweethearts to divorced co-parents has captivated fans and sparked countless discussions about love, loyalty, and boundaries in relationships.
How It All Started: Teenage Love in Baton Rouge
Kevin Gates, born Kevin Jerome Gilyard, and Dreka Gates (born Shadreka Centuri Haynes) first met as teenagers in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in the early 2000s. According to interviews with both parties, they connected during Kevin’s troubled youth when he was involved in street life and facing legal issues.
Dreka became a stabilising force during a turbulent period, supporting him through multiple incarcerations and standing by him when his music career was merely an aspiration. Their bond deepened through shared struggles, with Dreka often described as Kevin’s “day one” who believed in him before fame arrived. She remained loyal during his imprisonment from 2008-2011, a period that solidified their commitment to each other.
The Cousin Marriage Controversy Explained
One of the most persistent and shocking controversies involves rumours that Kevin and Dreka are blood-related cousins. These rumours have circulated throughout their relationship, fuelled by social media speculation and Kevin’s own provocative responses.
What Actually Happened
In various interviews, Kevin Gates addressed these rumours with statements ranging from denial to deliberate provocation. According to archived media interviews, Gates once stated he discovered they were distant cousins after they were already together but didn’t consider it significant enough to end the relationship.
However, the exact nature of any familial connection remains unclear. Some suggest the “cousin” label referred to extended family connections common in close-knit Southern communities rather than immediate blood relations. Neither Kevin nor Dreka has provided definitive clarification, allowing speculation to persist throughout their relationship and adding to the controversial nature of their union.
Building an Empire Together
Kevin and Dreka officially married in 2015, formalising a partnership that already included two children: daughter Islah Koren Gates (born 2012) and son Khaza Kamil Gates (born 2014). Beyond their personal relationship, Dreka became Kevin’s manager and business partner, playing crucial roles in his music career.
Complete Relationship Timeline
| Year | Milestone | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Early 2000s | First Meeting | Teenage romance begins in Baton Rouge |
| 2008-2011 | Kevin’s Incarceration | Dreka remains supportive partner |
| 2012 | Daughter Islah Born | First child together |
| 2014 | Son Khaza Born | Family expands |
| 2015 | Official Marriage | Legal union formalised |
| 2016 | Album “Islah” Released | Named after daughter, commercial breakthrough |
| 2019-2022 | Business Expansion | Dreka becomes entrepreneur |
| 2022 | Separation Rumours | Public speculation intensifies |
| 2024 | Divorce Confirmed | Official end of marriage |
According to music industry reports, Dreka managed Kevin’s booking, handled business negotiations, and helped build the Bread Winners’ Association record label. Her business acumen proved instrumental in transforming Kevin from a regional rapper into a nationally recognised artist with multiple platinum certifications.
The Infidelity That Shocked Fans
Kevin Gates has been remarkably and disturbingly open about infidelity throughout his relationship with Dreka, making public statements that shocked fans and raised serious questions about their marriage dynamics.
Public Admissions
In multiple interviews and social media posts, Kevin admitted to extramarital affairs with disturbing specificity. According to documented interviews, he publicly discussed intimate encounters with other women, including detailed accounts that many found deeply disrespectful to Dreka.
Most controversially, Kevin admitted to having sexual relations with Dreka’s cousin, which he claimed he discovered only after the fact. He also made other shocking admissions about his behaviour during their marriage that became viral talking points and subjected Dreka to intense public scrutiny about why she remained in the relationship despite such public disrespect.
These revelations sparked widespread debate about loyalty, respect, and acceptable boundaries in relationships. Many questioned how Dreka could remain with someone who so publicly humiliated her, while others praised her for prioritising her family and business partnership over public opinion.
Dreka’s Transformation and Empowerment
Throughout these challenges, Dreka maintained a dignified public presence while gradually building her own identity beyond being “Kevin Gates’ wife.” She launched successful business ventures including a holistic health and wellness company, becoming an advocate for mental health, spiritual wellness, and personal growth.
According to her social media presence and interviews, Dreka underwent significant personal transformation in recent years, focusing on healing, self-discovery, and empowerment. She spoke openly about the importance of self-love, setting boundaries, and prioritising one’s own well-being—messages that resonated deeply with fans who watched her navigate a publicly difficult marriage.
Her evolution from supportive partner to independent entrepreneur inspired many women who saw themselves in similar situations, making her a role model for personal growth and self-empowerment despite challenging circumstances.
The Divorce: How It Ended
Rumours of separation began circulating in 2022 when fans noticed the couple no longer appeared together publicly and had stopped posting about each other on social media. By 2024, both Kevin and Dreka confirmed they had separated and were pursuing divorce.
An Amicable Split
The separation appeared relatively amicable compared to many celebrity divorces, with both parties emphasising their commitment to co-parenting their children and maintaining respect for their shared history. According to recent statements, they continue working together on certain business matters despite ending their romantic relationship.
While neither party has provided extensive details about what ultimately ended their marriage, Dreka has alluded to personal growth that made her reassess what she wanted from life and relationships. Kevin has expressed respect for her decision while acknowledging his own shortcomings as a husband.
Where They Are Now
Both Kevin and Dreka have moved forward with separate lives while maintaining their co-parenting relationship. Kevin continues his music career, releasing new projects and touring extensively. Dreka has expanded her wellness business and maintained a significant social media presence where she shares insights about healing, growth, and self-discovery.
Their story represents a complex narrative about love, loyalty, forgiveness, and ultimately self-preservation. The relationship that began as teenage romance and survived incarceration, controversy, cousin marriage rumours, and public infidelity finally ended when personal growth led both parties toward different paths. Their journey continues generating discussion about relationship dynamics, acceptable boundaries, and the balance between loyalty and self-respect in modern partnerships, serving as both inspiration and cautionary tale for couples navigating fame, business, and personal challenges.
