Kanye West
Chicago producer turned rapper whose albums, from The College Dropout to My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, reshaped hip-hop.
Who is Kanye West?
Kanye West (now legally named Ye) is a producer and rapper who was born in Atlanta and grew up in Chicago. He first became known as a producer for Roc-A-Fella, including on Jay-Z's The Blueprint.
Known for
The College Dropout (2004), Late Registration and Graduation, followed by the emotional 808s & Heartbreak (2008) and My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy (2010). He has won 24 Grammys. His later career has been overshadowed by controversy, including antisemitic statements in 2022 that cost him major business partnerships.
Style
Sped-up soul samples in his early work, then constant reinvention: Auto-Tune ballads, maximalist orchestral rap and harsh industrial sounds. His lyrics mix bragging, faith, insecurity and humor.
Impact
Musically, Kanye is one of the most influential artists of the 21st century. He broke the gangsta image as the norm, made room for vulnerability and introduced sounds that dozens of artists followed.
Influences
- No I.D. (his mentor)
