Bridge DA Gap is a 501c3 non-profit organization that utilizes music to enhance the social-emotional development of youth in the areas of character building principles, life skills and self-regulation. Bridge DA Gap infuses Hip Hop music with the latest advances in technology to present youth in grades 6 through 12 with a comprehensive social-emotional development curriculum. The curriculum consis
ts of an e-book, songs and activities that engage youth using multiple methods of instruction and target the individual social engagement styles of each child. The program empowers youth with the ability to solve and effectively navigate through personal and interpersonal situations encountered at home, school and in their communities. With over 30 million records combined sold, Grammy Nominated Super Producer, Kevin “Khao” Cates has brought the world mega hits such as T.I.’s “Why You Wanna” and R. Kelly’s “Double Up.” Khao, an Entrepreneur and Philanthropist, has been able to revolutionize the sound of Hip Hop music by producing arithmetic sounds and rhythmic melodies that cross various genres of music. He has also been able to position himself as a major player in the music industry while maintaining full control over his production and publishing, a feature almost unheard of in the industry. Khao is a native of Montgomery Alabama, he attributes his business savvy and work ethics to his father, who was the catalyst for his career. Khao proclaims, “He taught me to pursue excellence without excuses.” As an tribute to what he learned from his father, Khao has entitled his past album “Patience, Silence and Consistency,” which was the motto his father instilled in him. Khao is a quiet, reserved and charismatic man who is a testament to his father’s beliefs. His accomplishments speak volumes when it comes to his passion and love for music. Some of his music industry accomplishments and awards include:
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2006-2007 and 2008-2009 nominations – Producer of the Year (Dead Serious Awards)
Lead Producer – “King” Album for T.I. – known as the best selling album in 15 years for Atlantic Records – debuted at #1 with 522,000 copies, 2006 best selling album and 1st to go platinum that year
2006 BET Hip Hop Awards – CD of the Year
2006 Billboard Awards – Rap Album of the Year
2006 Ozone Awards – Best Rap Album
2006 Blast Award – #1 Foreign Hip Hop Album
2006 Nomination Favorite Rap Album – American Music Awards
2006 Nomination Best Rap Album – The Grammy’s
2007 ASCAP Rhythm and Soul Music Awards – Best Rap Song and R&B/Hip Hop Song for T.I.’s “Why You Wanna”
Certified Gold – Single Sales by RIAA
Charted on the Australian, Ireland, Tokyo, UK, Switzerland, South African ( #1)
and U.S. Billboard charts ( #4)
2006 Blast Awards – #16 Foreign Hip Hop Single/Song
2006 Dirty Awards – Best Video
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Additionally, Khao has produced for several major recording artists over the years. Kelly, T.I., Reuben Studdard, Lil’ Kim, Young Jeezy, Snoop Dogg, Pharell Williams, Clipse, Ludacris, Young Dro, Chingy, Yung Joc, Goapele, Paul Wall and Trick Daddy. In 2009 Khao produced records on Rick Ross ” Deeper than Rap” and in 2010 he produced records on Ludacris’ “Battle of the Sexes” both albums debuted at #1. He is now responsible for the scoring of two films. He is the executive producer and music producer of “Video Girl” which stars Meagan Good, Lisa Raye and a host of others, and he is a partner and music producer of “You, Me and the Circus” an Omar Epps film starring Columbus Short and Marlon Wayons, and directed by Ty Hodges. Khao has also produced music for the Financial Literacy curriculum for Carrie Schwab- Pomerantz President of Charles Schwab Foundation as well, proving that he’s not just talented, but possibly more ingenious than anything. Khao’s accomplishments and endeavors span beyond the music industry. In November of 2008, Khao teamed up with Dr. Steele to put together the Million March to Vote in Atlanta. The march and rally were the culmination of the Million March 2 Vote Campaign, a non-partisan nationwide effort that called on civic minded organizations to encourage their members and constituents to vote. The campaign targeted people that in the past may have never voted or been unaware of the steps to take to register to vote. “Our generation takes a lot for granted,” Khao said. “There is so much to learn from one another and its way overdue. There is lack of participation from us. I asked myself: who will be our leaders of tomorrow if we don’t make a stand and vote?” The march received world wide press from CNN, ABC, NBC and FOX news. Khao didn’t stop with Million March to Vote he is determined to keep pushing forward to reach more people and continue to give back to the community. In furtherance of those goals Khao formed a non-profit organization called Bridge DA Gap. It’s a youth development program that uses an innovative approach to reach students and teach life skills applicable in today’s socially challenged environment. It combines hip hop music, education and mentoring to change the lives of the youth. Currently Bridge DA Gap is in 4 States and will soon be Nationwide. Khao has also managed to successfully place Bridge DA Gap in the Island of the Bahamas. To learn more, how you can contribute, or join the movement go to www.bridgeDAgap.com
Currently along with Production, Entrepreneurship and Scoring films, Khao is also an A&R at Sony Records. You can keep up with the latest developments of Khao at twitter.com/khaomusic
