Written by vicc$now
On September 6, 2024, Mayor Carolyn Goodman reported that Kevin Gates was awarded the Key to the City of Las Vegas. In addition, he was commemorated with his own special day as well. September 6th is now officially Kevin Gates Day in the valley.
Below is the statement made by the Mayor to celebrate the famous rapper:
“By virtue of authority given to me by The Laws of The State of Nevada and by The Charter Of The City of Las Vegas, I, Carolyn G Goodman, do hereby proclaim September 6, 2024 as Kevin Gates Day in the city of Las Vegas and ask all citizens to join me in recognizing this award-winning artist whose musical journey spans 15 years.”
It wasn’t a surprise that Las Vegas residents and others on social media were left in confusion upon learning about the news. Even Kevin Gates himself was astounded by the reaction to the honor as well. Here are some responses to the initial posting on our Instagram:
"They just give anybody a 🔑 to the city how many 🔑y’all got left😂"
*So many vegas artists struggling to make ends meet bc this city does nothing to put on for them but sure let’s give Kevin Gates a key to the city"
"What 😂😂 what did Kevin Gates do for the city that a local artist shouldn't get recognition for? Plenty of local talent here"
"This makes no sense. Love KG, but why?"
Las Vegas hasn’t always been this welcoming to “gangster rappers,” especially not after the murder of Tupac Shakur back in 1996. In 2006, former Clark County sheriff , Bill Young, called for a ban on rap and hip hop performances in all of the hotels due to multiple acts of violence resulting in police officers being killed. The Gaming Control Board, citing the sheriff's concerns, issued a notice to casinos warning that they would be "held accountable for any actions or incidents of violence tied to gangster rap performances" and suggesting that their gambling licenses could be revoked if they didn't comply.
Steve Wynn, the owner of the Wynn megaresort, told the Las Vegas Sun at the time that he fully supported the city banning hip hop performances in the casinos. He even went on to say, “The real gangster rap guys carry an entourage with them that is absolutely worthless. 50 Cent is the worst one. His whole act is predicated on violence. He's a mentor for all the other gangster rappers in the making…"
The ban faced pushback from artists and advocates who argued that rap is an important form of artistic expression reflecting real-life experiences. The conversation around rap music's influence in Las Vegas has evolved. Fast forward to now, various rappers have consistently performed in plenty of hotels, and rapper 50 Cent now even has a residency in Las Vegas for the first time, headlining shows at Planet Hollywood hotel this winter.
Kevin Gates getting a key to the city makes him the first rapper to ever receive one in Las Vegas. While the key itself is usually a symbolic representation rather than a physical key that unlocks anything, it signifies that this individual is considered an esteemed guest or friend of the city. This honor often comes with a sense of pride and recognition for the recipient's impact on the community.
So why did Gates receive the Key? With no solid answer, perhaps this article from John Katsilometes of the Las Vegas Review Journal can help one draw a conclusion. https://www.reviewjournal.com/entertainment/entertainment-columns/kats/how-a-rap-star-wound-up-at-oscar-goodmans-dinner-party-2936833/amp/
Kevin Gates, born Kevin Jerome Gilyard on February 5, 1986, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, has had a complex relationship with the law throughout his life. Despite his tumultuous history, Gates has built a successful career and continues to resonate with fans through his storytelling and candid lyrics. Gates has established his own record label, Bread Winners' Association, and has been involved in various initiatives aimed at giving back to the community, reflecting his commitment to social issues. Many of his fans and supporters believe he deserves such honors for his resilience, artistic talent, and efforts to uplift others through his music and outreach initiatives.
Be like Kevin Gates, & get your own KEY 2 VEGAS from @nothingtodoLV!
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