Kevin Gates accused of dodging bills as Dreka Gates demands $70K a month in support
Dreka Gates Seeks Over $70K Monthly From Kevin Gates in Divorce Support Bid
The once-admired union between rapper Kevin Gates and his estranged wife Dreka Gates has taken a sharp turn into legal turmoil. According to new reports, Dreka is seeking $27,193 per month in child support and $46,274 per month in spousal support, claiming Kevin stopped fulfilling his financial responsibilities and “dismantled the foundation of their family.” This latest update comes shortly after Dreka filed for divorce in July of this year.
Her filing accuses Kevin of halting payments for their children’s private school tuition and property taxes while allegedly purchasing 18 luxury vehicles and a $4.7 million estate in Calabasas, California. The couple’s Mississippi farm has since fallen into foreclosure following an IRS lien of $7 million for unpaid taxes.
Despite her claims, Kevin argues that the two were never legally married. A stance that has only deepened the tension between the former partners.
Kevin Gates: A Career of Hustle and Controversy
Kevin Jerome Gilyard, known to fans as Kevin Gates, was born on February 5, 1986, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He rose to fame through a steady grind of mixtapes, most notably The Luca Brasi Story (2013), which led to his acclaimed debut album Islah (2016). That record which is named after his daughter, peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard 200. Further solidifying his place in Southern rap.
Gates’ music blends introspection with grit, often reflecting on incarceration, spirituality, and fatherhood. His business ventures under Bread Winners’ Association further showcased his independence as both artist and entrepreneur.
However, his career hasn’t been without controversy. From legal run-ins to viral outbursts and polarizing interviews, Gates’ image is as unpredictable as his art — a balance between brilliance and chaos that keeps fans listening.
Dreka Gates: More Than a Rapper’s Wife
Before the divorce headlines, Dreka Gates (née Haynes) was best known as Kevin’s business partner and creative muse. The couple’s partnership spanned decades, with Dreka helping manage Kevin’s early career, overseeing marketing efforts, and co-founding Bread Winners’ Association.
In addition to managing Kevin’s brand, Dreka carved out her own entrepreneurial path. She launched ventures in skincare, holistic wellness, and cannabis, positioning herself as a multi-hyphenate businesswoman and influencer.
Their marriage, which reportedly began in 2015, weathered numerous public challenges. Yet by 2022, the pair had quietly separated — a shift Kevin hinted at in his 2022 single “Bad for Me.” Dreka officially filed for divorce in July 2025, citing irreconcilable differences.
Her recent court filing paints a picture of frustration and betrayal, claiming years of financial instability and disregard following their split.
“The Financial Fallout”
Dreka’s court documents outline a troubling financial picture. She alleges that since 2021, Kevin diverted funds from family obligations into personal luxury spending. The result, she says, was the unraveling of the life they built together — from children’s education to shared property.
In total, Dreka’s request for $73,467 per month could become one of the most significant celebrity support cases of the year. She’s also asking to be named the primary physical custodian of their two children, 12-year-old Islah and 11-year-old Khaza.
For Kevin, the allegations and legal proceedings come at a pivotal moment in his career and public image. He’s simultaneously juggling music releases, business ventures, and the lingering effects of his brief 52-day marriage to influencer Brittany Renner earlier this year.
A Public Love Story Turned Legal War
For years, fans saw Kevin and Dreka as one of hip-hop’s most balanced couples — grounded in spirituality and loyalty. Their chemistry, often showcased in music videos and interviews, made them fan favorites.
However, rumors of infidelity, separations, and Kevin’s unpredictable comments began to fracture that image. The revelation of his short-lived marriage to Brittany Renner — which ended just 52 days after tying the knot — only fueled speculation about his commitment and state of mind.
Now, the divorce filings expose the financial and emotional cracks that had long been hidden behind the music.
Celebrity Divorces Gone Bad: When Love and Luxury Collide
The breakdown between Kevin and Dreka Gates mirrors a long pattern of high-profile celebrity divorces where fame, money, and public exposure amplify private pain.
Cardi B and Offset are among the most public examples. Their marriage — filled with chart-topping collaborations and lavish gestures — has weathered multiple infidelity rumors, social-media spats, and divorce filings that left fans debating whether love and loyalty can truly survive fame.
Similarly, Kanye West and Kim Kardashian’s 2021 divorce exposed the fragility of celebrity partnerships under the spotlight. Their split included public feuds, custody battles, and asset negotiations involving billion-dollar empires.
Dr. Dre’s separation from Nicole Young also made headlines after his $100 million settlement — one of the most expensive in hip-hop history. Even Tia Mowry and Cory Hardrict’s split, while more subdued, highlighted how emotional health and boundaries have become central themes in celebrity breakups.
Like those before them, Kevin and Dreka’s split represents a collision of love, legacy, and liability. Their situation underscores that behind fame and fortune, the emotional and financial fallout of divorce hits just as hard — sometimes harder.
What Comes Next for Kevin and Dreka
As Dreka pursues spousal and child support, both sides prepare for what could become one of the most closely watched cases in hip-hop this year. The court will need to decide the validity of their marriage. In addition to the extent of Kevin’s obligations and assets.
If the IRS lien and property foreclosures are confirmed, Gates may face severe financial restructuring. Potentially impacting future tours, endorsements, and business operations. Meanwhile, Dreka’s claims of neglect and instability could shape custody outcomes.
The final ruling will likely set a precedent for how courts treat financial accountability within entertainment marriages. Especially, where personal and professional lives are deeply intertwined.
A Different Ending For the Gates
Dreka Gates’ demand for over $70,000 a month in combined support from Kevin Gates isn’t just another celebrity headline — it’s a reflection of what happens when artistry, marriage, and money collide.
The saga speaks to deeper questions about respect, recognition, and resilience in relationships that exist under public scrutiny. For Kevin, it’s a moment of reckoning — balancing success and responsibility. For Dreka, it’s about reclaiming stability and ensuring her children’s future.
As the story unfolds, one truth remains: in hip-hop, the line between love and loss can blur just as fast as the beat drops.