"Stranger Than Fiction" is the tenth mixtape by American rapper Kevin Gates, released on July 16, 2013, through Bread Winners' Association and Atlantic Records. This mixtape marked Gates' first major-label release following his signing with Atlantic Records earlier that year. The mixtape delves into a range of personal topics, including Gates' experiences with depression and incarceration, offering listeners a raw and introspective look into his life. The project received favorable reviews from critics, with Pitchfork noting that it "imbues trap's claustrophobic bleakness with an emotional nakedness, capable lyricism, and melodic certitude many of its recent breakout stars have lacked." Commercially, "Stranger Than Fiction" debuted at number 37 on the US Billboard 200, selling approximately 8,000 copies in its first week. The mixtape features collaborations with artists such as Wiz Khalifa, Juicy J, and Starlito, further cementing Gates' presence in the hip-hop community. To support the mixtape, Gates embarked on the "Stranger Than Fiction Tour," a four-week U.S. tour in October 2013, alongside artists Starlito and Don Trip. However, following the tour, Gates faced legal issues, resulting in a four-month prison sentence for parole violations, of which he served three and a half months. Upon his release in early 2014, Gates continued to build on the momentum from "Stranger Than Fiction," releasing subsequent projects that further established his reputation in the