Contents
Kanye West
Reshaping hip-hop through soul-sampling production, ambitious albums and the melodic experiments of 808s & Heartbreak.
The College Dropout · My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy · Yeezy
- Born
- 8 June 1977
- Birthplace
- Atlanta, Georgia, United States
More people
Kanye West
Kanye West, also known as Ye, is an American rapper, producer and designer. He first gained recognition making records for other artists, then built a solo career around changing musical styles, large collaborative projects and an expansion into fashion.
Early life
Atlanta to Chicago
Born in Atlanta, he moved to Chicago with his mother after his parents separated. Donda West taught English and later managed his career.
Art, study and production
Attended the American Academy of Art and Chicago State University before leaving college to concentrate on music. Chicago producer No I.D. was an early mentor.
Career
- 1990s
Making beats in Chicago
Developed as a producer before securing wider recognition for work with established rappers.
- 2001
The Blueprint
His production on Jay-Z’s album helped establish him as a major contributor to Roc-A-Fella’s sound.
- 2004–2005
A solo breakthrough
Released The College Dropout and won his first three Grammys at the 2005 ceremony, including Best Rap Album.
- 2007–2010
Changing the musical direction
Moved from Graduation’s expansive pop sound to the electronic singing of 808s & Heartbreak, then the layered arrangements of My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy.
- 2011
Watch the Throne
Made a joint album with Jay-Z and took the collaboration on tour.
- 2019–2021
Gospel and Donda
Explored gospel on Jesus Is King and released Donda, an album named after his mother.
Selected albums
The College Dropout
His debut album brought together soul samples, personal storytelling and songs including “Jesus Walks” and “Through the Wire.”
Late Registration
Expanded his production palette with orchestral arrangements and the Jamie Foxx collaboration “Gold Digger.”
Graduation
Combined electronic textures and large-scale hooks on an album that topped the US Billboard 200.
808s & Heartbreak
Centred processed singing, sparse electronic rhythms and themes of grief and separation.
My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy
A densely arranged collaborative album featuring “Runaway,” “Power” and “All of the Lights.”
Yeezus
Pursued a harsher, stripped-back sound shaped by industrial and electronic music.
Beyond music
The name Ye
Legally changed his name to Ye in 2021. Kanye West remains the name attached to much of his recorded catalogue.
Yeezy and adidas
Built a fashion and footwear business around Yeezy. In October 2022, adidas ended their partnership, citing his antisemitic statements and behaviour.
Sources & photo credit
Recording Academy: artist biography and Grammy record ↗Recording Academy: production, albums and musical development ↗Recording Academy: 808s & Heartbreak and its influence ↗Royal Albert Hall archive: birth details and career ↗Life, early years and discography references ↗adidas: October 2022 termination statement ↗Photo: David Shankbone — 2009 Tribeca Film Festival (source crop; displayed in monochrome). Public domain · Original image. Cropped and displayed in monochrome.
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