Historical Figure
Kanye West
b. 1977
American rapper and producer (born 1977)
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Biography
Ye is an American rapper, songwriter, and record producer. He has been listed among the greatest rappers of all time and referred to as one of the most prominent figures in hip-hop. His music is characterized by frequent stylistic shifts and he has been credited with facilitating the emergence of rappers who did not conform to gangster rap conventions. He is also known for his controversial public persona, including his polarizing cultural and political commentary.
In Their Own Words (5)
And I'm back on my grind A psychic read my lifeline, told me in my lifetime My name would help light up the Chicago skyline And that's why I'm Seven o'clock, that's primetime Heaven'll watch, God calling from the hotlines Why he keep giving me hot lines? I'm a star, how could I not shine?
I Wonder , 2007
How we stop the Black Panthers? Ronald Reagan cooked up an answer. Who gave Saddam anthrax? George Bush got the answers.
Crack Music , 2005
God show me the way, because the Devil's trying to break me down The only thing that I pray is that my feet don't fail me now And I don't think there's nothing I can do now to right my wrongs I wanna talk to God, but I'm afraid 'cause we ain't spoke in so long.
Jesus Walks , 2004
Always said if I rapped, I'd say somethin' significant But now I'm rapping 'bout money, hoes, and rims again.
Breathe In Breathe Out , 2004
N-Now th-that that don't kill me Can only make me stronger I need you to hurry up now 'Cause I can't wait much longer I know I got to be right now 'Cause I can't get much wronger Man, I've been waiting all night now That's how long I've been on ya
Stronger , 2007
Timeline
The story of Kanye West, told in moments.
Released The College Dropout after years of being dismissed as "just a producer." Roc-A-Fella initially didn't want to sign him as a rapper. The album debuted at number two and went quadruple platinum.
Interrupted Taylor Swift's acceptance speech at the MTV VMAs. "Yo Taylor, I'm really happy for you, but Beyonce had one of the best videos of all time." President Obama later called him a jackass off-mic.
Married Kim Kardashian in Florence, Italy, at the Forte di Belvedere. The wedding reportedly cost $2.8 million. They had four children before divorcing in 2022.
Legally changed his name to Ye. Posted antisemitic comments that cost him partnerships with Adidas, Gap, and Balenciaga. Forbes estimated his net worth dropped from $2 billion to $400 million in weeks.
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