Kevin Gates: Prison Was Best Thing to Ever Happen to Me

www.vladtv.com - Kevin Gates opens up about being in the juvenile system when he was younger, which led to him going in and out of jail throughout his adult years. The XXL Freshman explains that going to jail as a child "took the fear of imprisonment away," and says "it criminalizes you."
When asked about facing a 30-year sentence, Kevin details how the charges racked up after he stabbed someone in self defense. He reveals that he was being charged as a convicted felon with a firearm, which resulted in 10-15 added years. An additional charge of being around a controlled substance added another 10-15 years to his sentence.
In total, Kevin spent 31 months in jail for his convictions, but says "prison was the best thing that ever happened to me." The Louisiana native says that it taught him respect for himself and everything around him, and adds, "it only gets gangster if necessary."

[@AK33M]

"It only get gangsta... if necessary."

[@IntegraProsper]

lol 😂 real shit.

[@DavidWilliams-th9pm]

+AK33M Is this what rap has come to? He's disgusting

[@AK33M]

David Williams Some rappers are gangstas. Some aren't. Thats just how it is.

[@anthonytyler7977]

Keven gates is a ganst

[@anthonytyler7977]

Keven gates is east side

[@lovedichoreo1529]

Penitentiary rules is in effect: "Really, I'm a gentleman, it only get gangster if necessary"

[@TrystonJackson2005]

“The first time I ever got arrested, I was 13 years of age. If they would’ve just pulled up to the jail, left me in the police car, never took me inside and just took me back home, I don’t think I’d ever have done anything else again. But what it did was-by me going into jail at such a young age-all it did was criminalize me in a sense. It kinda’ steered me in the wrong direction after getting there and settling in; it took the fear of jail away from me” - Gates said.

[@gamebred5662]

@@TrystonJackson2005 what he said is big facts. I got locked up at 12 an after I spent a few months in juvie an got out I was no longer afraid of jail and was even more immersed in the streets.

[@TrystonTX]

From The DMV Remember Gates got set up and arrested for kicking a female fan while on the stage.

[@GettinMoney61]

Kevin Gates a real nigga. Anybody saying different never been in this street shit and that's 100.

[@zolphdiggler]

***** take your ignorant ass back to worldstar. The second i saw you quote loaded lux I knew you was a clown

[@GettinMoney61]

***** I commented on this video live from 61st and Cottage Grove kid. Look us up #800. I'm nothing like y'all youtube niggas I was onna block watching this video with the guys.

[@GettinMoney61]

Yeah that's Chiraq if you ain't know.

[@AlSween]

What does being a "real nigga" accomplish?

[@GettinMoney61]

AlSween be REAL with your self should accomplish self peace. A lot of mfs hate they self and I'm pretty sure they put on a act portraying some one their are not. Y'all internet niggas so involved into the 'internet' y'all forget being a person comes first lmao. What does being a fuck nigga accomplish bruh? Being authentic to your character, the person you really are should accomplish a lot in the way you carry your self and the way you get treated and treat others. But I ain't bout to keep capping with y'all niggas on here. You're welcome.

[@banks3956]

'It Only Get GANGSTA If Necessary'

[@YungKuroKami]

For real dawg. That's wassup. I dunno why folks talking trash about this mane he really is smarter than he looks.

[@keesharay6176]

Xavier lol funny as hell

[@redmatt2]

😂😂

[@devyvalentinoify]

You mean street wise right ? smart people wont even take the same path as an gangsta

[@dubmakinwill2479]

Devy Valentino Ik a lot of drug dealers/ gangsters that are smart asf book and street... you can’t call them dumb if that’s what they’re raised around just like you think it’s wrong because you wasn’t raised around it... you can’t call that being dumb that’s like saying awe you dumb because you say wassup... your brain can only intake on what you see daily you see drug dealers riding in nice cars nice clothing at a young age while we living in section 8 barley have food we can’t wait 10 years to get that check we care too much about our family wanting to see them happy smiling not stressing over when food coming so we go out and do wtf we got to do ... if you lived around shit like people in the hood do you gone adapt to that live style because you see these people getting that check and feeding their family... and what is even book smart 3/4 of the shit they teach you in school you not gone use what’s the capital of India without using google... I feel people who call people dumb or the shit they do or even say dumb is ignorant asf... for one you don’t know wtf they going through for two you don’t know everything either and for three you dumb for not trying to see and understand where that person you call dumb is going through💯

[@frrmrr4314]

He wiser than he look

[@alilmtiaz3612]

athlete thankyou for judging him for his looks

[@heavyizthacrown-5842]

atll LOVE THAT SNUPE ALBUM COVER! 👌🏾

[@jozef5904]

The first time i see a rapper look at his watch for the date or time

[@ferdi301]

😂

[@ksubyslowed]

lol , i think he got on a rollie and they do show the date

[@JohnBest]

I was about to say the same lol I laughed so hard. Dude looked at his watch for the DATE!

[@Luhllnate]

Fr I was just saying

[@ImmortalMatcha]

They show dates on watches its small but there

[@HighDollar17]

"I may have stabbed a nigga a few times or sum like that.."

[@keanubelle5139]

+Tony Carter lol, he poked a dude up and act like it was nothing much.

[@YungLilBomb]

It said it was self defense tho, in Baton Rouge, i can only assume he was fearing for his life. I mean its a known fact that N.O niggas aint playin since katrina...

[@DoctaFortySix]

Shiv idiot, isn't that what they do in jail, and It prolonged his conviction

[@MedKid]

Lmao

[@riajakoren6978]

Boxed Cl9 😂😂😂

[@steventowavey1172]

"if you can out think a man , you got a man beat" kevin is always 100 no joking no slacking no just chilling

[@trendanmoore-hairston2808]

He crazy as hell but he smart

[@isaachoward89]

Who not crazy someone always think another indiviual is crazy

[@2ManyThieves0]

Open-minded human being. All u need is an open mind, the ability to obtain knowledge in every situation

[@TOASTYEY]

thats why everyone is calling him stupid.. only open-minded people understand open-minded people

[@2ManyThieves0]

overdose because people who aren't, don't believe in understanding certain topics. Ignorance kills

[@TOASTYEY]

Mightyy. Jahh exactly plus people who arent open-minded never think they could learn something from somebody else.. ignorance really kills my dude its killing the humanity

[@2ManyThieves0]

overdose exactly . People with the mentality that their isn't such thing as new knowledge . Don't get very big in life

[@dantedlane2]

Open minded is dangerous

[@sierrajay6512]

Not too many rappers can say that they lived that life but learned from their mistakes

[@revengeonval]

yea i love kevin man

[@quinncampbell9255]

Lmao, this funny cuz he's been back too prison since this comment, so guess had trouble learning.

[@microrest]

He's nothing but a bullshitting con man. Guy is a bitch

[@traciesmith1371]

Now aways the rappers are for the most part really gangster but they only use the rap to brag about their gang and law breaking info. Which is stupid as shit because that's why their dumb asses are getting rico charges. Back when gangster rap was first starting they were real gangsters trying to rap to leave the gutter life behind them. Nowadays they fund the gang with the rap money. Their are some that aren't gangbusters nowadays such as Drake and j cole. The rest really could kill one another at any point. Such as lil baby has warned 21 savage if he sees him he's a dead man. It's a real threat they are both gangsters and 21 saves gang killed lil baby's best friend not long ago.

[@edonis2787]

"i ended up stabbing a dude a few times...or something like that" LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOL

[@jamessum825]

edonis2787 “in front of the movie the-aye-ter”

[@TrystonJackson2005]

James Summers It’s theatre

[@jamessum825]

Tryston Jackson right but I was making fun of the way he said it

[@TrystonJackson2005]

How many times did Gates stabbed that dude?

[@TrystonTX]

edonis2787 Why would Gates stabbed his opponent several times like that in front of the movie theater?

[@UKNOWHOITIZ161]

AT LEAST HE KNOWS WHAT SNITCHING IS AND DIDN'T FALL FOR THE TRAP SALUTE TO HIM... LOOKING LIKE A OLD CRAZY ASS MUHAMMAD ALI

[@UKNOWHOITIZ161]

THE FUCK UP

[@313Martin]

Ol Morgan Freeman son lookin ass nigga.

[@kelwaymariano5859]

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA ....lol @ "Looking Like An Old Crazy Ass Muhammad Ali".... HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA.... funniest shit i've read in a while. Ali + Master P = Kevin Gates.

[@UKNOWHOITIZ161]

lmao

[@dawnbrown4157]

Ijjjj

[@Henny2times]

He seems like a cool dude but if i was given the choice to go to prison for a year or share a cup with this nigga for a mill im locked up like akon

[@TriploneDMC]

"Locked up like Akon" Lmao!

[@TitansRB]

Lmfaoooooo

[@dmanagement2011]

Why. Cause u got tendencies that he would expose. He truly scares the shit out of you huh. You are the lost one my friend. Did u hear what he said. You gotta respect yourself first lil homie. He has his third eye open now as you should.

[@duttyow709]

Vito Jenkins I think he said that because of the eating booty thing with this guy, can't say I blame him either even though he seems like a chill dude otherwise.

[@dmanagement2011]

Come on now dutty. I'm speaking on what he said. That's all. Not ass eating.

[@AyoShorttStuff]

I dont get why ppl dislike him his music is dope and he seems humble af

[@whitney4108]

AyoShorttStuff 👏💯💯💯 I don’t get it either... ppl just like to hate I guess, ppl always on the negative ass shit smh 🤔

[@brandonbrown6918]

Cmon their mad bc there popular artist has no personality and trash music soo they turn to gates

[@michaeljr8615]

No because he’s gay he loves jail cuz he was straight fuckin. He’s not about no gangster shit. He got a past he can’t erase and if he appears in front of any of his past dawgs he getting shot up rq

[@peonyflowers23]

Maybe because he was bragging about his violent acts? Imagine being on the receiving end of his st@bbings, then watching him talk about it like he’s proud.

[@maxten]

You know i was thinking, if young Muhammed Ali did a fusion with The Game, this would be the result.

[@kylecassady8085]

Y6666

[@melvinsprewel8287]

Facts 😂😂😂

[@melvinsprewel8287]

But Game kind of suspect ..

[@allahbless2278]

@@melvinsprewel8287 L

[@bigbwoyting1608]

it only gets gangstar if necessary best line I ever heard

[@kaybasquiat]

See the thing everybody has to respect about Gates is he has been through a lot of shit and made the best of it. And I'm not talkin just trappin then making money rappin about trappin. The dude actually got his bachelors degree while incarcerated, and he's mad wise with it, schooling cats and becoming more engaged in his city trying to keep kids off the street. If u dont respect that then idk wat to tell u

[@goldunicorn1000]

true, I think he got a masters in psycology...

[@kaybasquiat]

See guessing I mean decision making advice is the wrong assumption. I mean the dude tries to make men more responsible and accountable for their actions. I.e taking rap serious and making the best of his situation after incarceration, taking care of his kids and not running away (like most dudes do). Listen to his latest mix tape then return to this convo

[@kaybasquiat]

See guessing I mean decision making advice is the wrong assumption. I mean the dude tries to make men more responsible and accountable for their actions. I.e taking rap serious and making the best of his situation after incarceration, taking care of his kids and not running away (like most dudes do). Listen to his latest mix tape then return to this convo

[@marcuscarter1260]

Yepp true

[@lyndyor1234]

Kids, this is why you don't do drugs.

[@MrLinuxify]

I respect this man so much

[@abrahamogunkola7722]

Isaiah Flores me too

[@bschaible43]

dude really said think I stabbed a dude a few times... wtf

Billy Schaible or something like that

[@dantedlane2]

Stay away from rap idiot this ain't nothing cool to be around

[@springdamfdon777]

Shut yal stupid ass up he did the mfkin time

[@TrystonTX]

Did he stabs him in the guts?

[@jadennewton264]

Kony Lane it was self defense how is he a idiot ?

[@jujucasar2003]

Anyone else think that this guy has a pretty damn good vocabulary for a convicted felon?

[@rczzcool234]

+Justin Casar he scored 32 on sat too

[@leoscarpoli1nonly]

+erik h SMH 😒 The SAT has two big sections - Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW), and Math. You can earn a scaled score of between 200 and 800 points on each section, for a total of 1600 possible points on the Redesigned SAT.

[@rczzcool234]

+Leo Scarpoli act.. my bad haha

[@leoscarpoli1nonly]

+erik h Ok, I'm old and didn't take that one so, case dismissed 😃

[@crispchinhunt9616]

Way to pigeonhole convicted felons as idiots. Some of them are smart as a motherfucker..

[@MrAlwaysbored1000]

He's so smart. Love how he said "It only get gangsta if necessary"

[@AkonFenty1992]

I know I learned from my days in jail I used to hang with the wrong crowd growing up and jail changed my life around cus all the shit I did in the past the mistakes I made matured me to be the 22 year old young man I am today and since then I've never made the same mistakes again, it was around my sophomore year of high school when I made a complete change.

[@AkonFenty1992]

Cornel Love You must be miserable cus you're talking shit about someone over the internet, can you sir get a life.

[@xxjuggalo14xx]

***** you sir or an troll quit feeding the troll people -.-

[@dogtownnate]

***** bitch gtfo

[@varicehughesll3832]

jus listen when a real nigga speak... I'm from lousiana and this we live everyday... but like he say we live by Respect, Family and Minding our on Business...

[@tamekat3821]

Straight up

[@kevinsandor7124]

gates aint no regular nigga

[@varicehughesll3832]

We're all irregular at some point...

[@tamekat3821]

Yes sir

[@filthythug5150]

damn, this dude is saying some good shit.

[@tayveonnstewart2152]

im glad he not in jail rn doing 30 years like this my favorite rapper the only one i can relate to

[@__-jg2zo]

I like the last line he said, "it only gets gangsta if it's necessary."

[@clydebarrow2555]

How can you forget the type of charge

[@josephsolorio16]

" i end up stabbing a dude a few times, or something like that " - Kevin gates 😂😂

[@dequanchisom2120]

Dude has some wisdom on him tho, smart dude

[@ej3n1god55]

Never underestimate a wise man for a fool, n never underestimate a fool for a wise man.

[@AjInglez15]

Who ever dislike this ain't no street nigga and can't relate or you just a Kevin gates hater

[@AlSween]

SpArC FiYAH He's an uncle tom because he does rob steal or kill.... ok....

[@AjInglez15]

Been shot Been to jail what else you got for me LMAO I been through that shit already

[@Blacklogic]

My favorite rapper since Jay-Z, intelligent and creative.

[@observingillusion9658]

your favorite female rapper posing as a male rapper, open your eye!

[@yearight4655]

Fuck Jay-Z

[@devyvalentinoify]

LMAO Black Boy Lost

[@RellyRell-ud3iz]

@@yearight4655 fuck you

[@patricklong8680]

That's real you gotta respect everybody, especially when you surrounded by individuals that's doing hard time..Somebody can hate you just cause you got release date.

[@kelwaymariano5859]

Smartest Thug i've heard in a while...he sounds like Master P.... He was a Victim of the System that's in place in the Hood. He became what he saw growing up. Now he's learned from his mistakes. God Bless, Brother.

[@TammyOluyole]

The whole interview by Vlad was Kevin Gates best interview by far!

[@preciousbolden8092]

Tammy Akata Thornton agreed majorly earned my respect highly intelligent

[@jman3277]

his accent is cool

[@MrHater-cd9wb]

Darzo shut yo dorky ass up

[@reegroovytv4120]

Mr. Hater No wonder ur name is Mr. Hater.. lmaoo

[@jmane4581]

Mr. Hater Ol Bitch Ass Nigga

[@Tiseytooreal]

His accent is cool sir.

[@jasperzanjani]

Louzaneh big breh

[@dillonrensner5078]

"It only gets gangster when necessary" very true.

[@ImNaviar]

Wow... Paid no attention to this man's music--thought it was some fuck-off shit, but this interview gave me much respect towards Kevin Gates. I too have spent time in the department of corrections, what he says is very insightful and true.

[@WaanFdb]

it only get gangsta if necessary 💯

[@tamekat3821]

KG is the truth I love listening to him because what he's saying hit very close to me losing my nephews to the prison systems. Do ya thang KG

[@justinflanigan6188]

he don't get tired

[@thebuzzcjc]

+Justin Flanigan He got 6 jobs

[@Greaso]

+thebuzzcjc he got 2 phones

[@burneraccount8620]

+thebuzzcjc 10 now

[@joeyto]

Really really

[@mckinneyproductions2595]

He really really don't get tired until 4:30 am

[@imapucker]

Lol the way he says "movie theatre"

[@Only1steezo]

Out of most rappers who say they bout that, i honestly believe Kevin is really bout that. I also like how smart he is, he has a good mind set. hope this dude goes far, Respect 💯🙏 May god be with you all

[@adamrehcra1599]

Respect for an outspoken and honest man right there. Kevin Gates is as real as it gets!

[@Trice383]

it only get gangsta if necessary! word!

[@THETRAVELGOD410]

This brother remind me of Hustle and Flow "DJ" . His life so jacked up you want him to make it.

[@finesexymama]

I like when he said " Ima gentleman it only gets gangsta if necessary"..

[@leak0612]

I like how he acted like stabbing somebody 3x was normal lol

[@lovedichoreo1529]

He discusses a story about when he was in prison and watched two men get into a fight, one man (the one who won the fight) walked away the victor but his opponent who worked in the kitchen put glass in his food. This man has been in jail since he was a child and these were the kind of things that were common place. What do you think the long term effects are to his psyche? What kind of people are we creating when they are constantly exposed to violence like this since childhood?

[@ajb1307]

That crushed up glass thing is from the movie called doing hard time. I think lol

[@alvinmyles5272]

That Jumpman add 😂😂

[@droopyballz5597]

The glass is from oz too lol shibetta was fed glass and got murked

[@NamingGaming]

looks at his watch.."couple days ago"

[@oxysz]

Daydate says the date and weekday on it

[@Lagstab]

He has a dialect to him, but he's more well spoken than you'd expect.

[@jayjewelry9291]

this man checked his watch and said "it was a couple of days ago"

[@JGTorres62]

Kevin is a smart person for dumb people

[@BlackExcellenceProductions]

To say what the grimiest thing you've ever seen in streets was is not snitching. He doesnt have to run down Names and dates and stuff. Just anonymously say the situation. E.g. "i saw a nigga get his head blown off in front the trap house..." or some shit. Simple.

[@liljothan]

He probably was trying not to incriminate himself or reopen a case. It was better for him to just not say anything tho

[@ezrasheffield9589]

Kevin gates says that certain things he will never speak apon that he's seen or done, and you can get a charge for openly admitting you've witnessed something and didnt report it.

[@god6less]

4:36 LOVE THAT LINE

[@timmckeown2053]

You can tell this man actually done hard time. Try doin a interview with a mainstream rapper with same questions. Bet 98% goin to tell a bunch of bullshit and snitchin on his home boys. Kevin Gates is a real gangster.

[@MrHawaiiboy510]

I got so much more respect for Kevin Gates now. That's a real Nigga

[@martinterrellweller4850]

I can relate my girl was always there for me wen I was locked up. ILY bae

[@Brokeasweat]

Never too late to turn your life around👌

[@A1245fgh]

i lold when he said really im a gentlemen it only gets gangsta if necessary

[@bigperm831Salinas]

The more and more I hear this kid speak the more and more I don't want to heat his music...

[@dancingbam4240]

*hear

[@zolphdiggler]

have you listened to anything of his? dude is talented

[@Mr2FlyDesmond123]

Don't listen then. Simple.

[@kingartison]

Thought I was the only one he sortve contradict himself

[@goldunicorn1000]

thought the same up until i started listnening to his music it.and really good. I was kinda surprise when i first listened

[@cookingwithashopaholic4495]

i like this dude he is very intelligent its not even about his accent if you listen to what hes saying hes kick mad knowledge that's just is accent that's how they talk in the NO but what hes saying hes on point a lot can be learned from this dude

[@dondrebrown4]

You mean Baton Rouge not New Orleans

[@smokeycity6300]

4:16 mane he seen that on lockdown the movie 🤣🤣

[@ladywen1529]

I watched some of this brothers interviews and he is,very smart his music just speaks on some of the things that he has gone through and seen in this life time

[@princevegeta9763]

Sentenced for 30 years, only does 3. but he Aint white? *cough* snitch *cough*

[@payton2297]

He Was Going Back & Forth In Trial With The Court For 2 Years Straight, He Was Also Offered 10 Years He Said It In That First Interview With SwayInTheMorning

[@princevegeta9763]

oh, thankyou for correcting my ignorance friend.

[@mazinziyad9435]

@@TimmySaylor1 Peter wants him to give it back so he can ride it.. he's jealous

[@jaydentimsans425]

What is there to snitch on he stabbed someone 😂😂

[@21poloonmydraws]

Vlad workin for them folks

[@TRZI]

Did he check his watch like it had a calendar on it??? Lmao I'm not a fan of his music, but his interviews & IG videos have me crackin up

[@breadsoda6927]

*looks at watch* "..couple days ago" 😂

[@Renzo42173]

It tells you the date on a couple of watches

[@sowithit-er9zr]

You must not know about Rolex's

[@paulfrizz8802]

"I end up stabbing a dude a few time or something like that you know.. just a lil self defense nothing serious"

[@talaanmyers177]

“I’m really a gentleman it only get gangsta if necessary” 💯

[@PhntmStudios]

"I'm a gentleman but it only get gangsta if neccessary"....real shit.

[@christopherchristmas9683]

Now I know y he love eatin booty! Shit make sense now! Lmfaooo!

[@boomboominroom]

Damn, his accent is thick.

[@Taelathegazadiva]

But it’s sexcc tho🤪..

[@unknownsoceity6173]

Vlad we need another interview!! Love your interview I watch them all during my shift at work

[@JetsGo11]

Idk about his rapping skills but he seems like a humble dude. #Respect

[@speedyy231]

movie theaytii

[@Whunter22]

This dude seems smart

[@tworealshordy3187]

Yo really looked at his watch tho😂

[@jeremytooks2295]

“I only get gangster when necessary” classic

[@hoodyman415]

now you going back

[@Pthumerian01]

What'd he do?

[@supaxr2h]

assault

[@Kingg_G]

Grid self defense

[@nicholasmuse2790]

i need knew Kevin Gates was that intelligent

[@greatergeneral4284]

Kevin be spitting that real but, he came home a lil early, a lil too early 🤔

[@MrShaqster1994]

Ma Nigga said "he only get gangsta if necessary"...true shit

[@Craxlus]

movie THEE AY TER

[@icewater091]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@melvinsprewel8287]

🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@thug8200]

gates real as fuck

[@alexishoward_xoxo45]

“Prison was the best thing that ever happened to me” -Gates. if you can outthink a man you got him beat. Respect 💯

[@AbbasAbbas-wm6rg]

"We cant hit you with the habitual criminal act lets give him THIRTYYHHH" I cant stop laughing kevin gates is just funny without acting

[@kelly7221989]

I love him. He's my idol

[@tmacfan16]

idol for ass eating cuzzin fucking dog rapos

[@bballjulien]

"theyater"

[@Simplynashaa]

😂😂😂

[@TrystonTX]

bballjulien It’s theater!

[@justinmassey6155]

Bru what really caught me was when he said I'm a gentle men it only gets gansta if it have to

[@isaachoward89]

Still watchibg this interview

[@hebrewhammer8571]

Who is this critter

[@cloj4754]

movie theyayter

[@kakoonthabeat3576]

Conquering Lion I Was Looking Just For This Comment

[@sinclaircooper5091]

It only gets "GANGSTA" if"NECESSARY" . Point taken

[@Jordinwelsh]

How do I watch the full interview

[@Sensei_Leo]

Someone tore his ass up... thats what i thought when i read the tittle.