NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – NOVEMBER 04: Kevin Gates performs during his Only The Generals Tour at UNO Lakefront Arena on November 04, 2023 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Erika Goldring/Getty Images)

On a recent episode of Shannon Sharpe’s Club Shay Shay podcast, Kevin Gates opened up about the depths of his struggle with drug addiction, offering an unflinching look at his darkest moments. “I was so depressed, I just needed something to cope,” Gates admitted, recounting a 2020 episode of despair. “I shot myself in the head before; I got a bullet in my head. I didn’t want to live. Holding my baby, my child, tears coming down my face, knowing I was about to take myself out… Nobody’s going to miss me anyway. That’s how I felt. And that wasn’t that long ago.”

Gates spoke candidly about the silent suffering that can accompany even moments of apparent stability. He explained that despite not using drugs at certain points, he felt immense pressure and emptiness, compounded by the demands of his career. His 2019 fitness journey, he revealed, was partly “a cry for help,” while a transformative trip to Puerto Rico later sparked a turning point in his path toward healing and self-renewal.

Through his story, Gates hopes to encourage others facing similar struggles to speak out and seek support. The artist’s candid reflections illustrate the power of vulnerability and resilience, as he channels past pain into motivation for growth and creativity.

Personal Loss and Its Lasting Impact

The conversation also turned to Gates’ personal life, particularly the loss of his father to AIDS. Gates expressed lingering regret over not being able to do more during his father’s illness. “That’s what led me to explore holistic medicine,” he said. “I spent a significant amount of time with him until he passed. He imparted numerous valuable lessons to me. If I could go back, I could have cured him. While I’m no Dr. Sebi, I’ve come to take health very seriously because of him.”