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Revision as of 23:18, 15 August 2009 view sourceLupEnd007 (talk | contribs)Extended confirmed users1,439 edits Oh that? Late-90s Chicago rap group Ye was apart of (member/in-house producer) before he made it big. Yeah, they were an underground act so its not exactly a household name.← Previous edit Revision as of 03:46, 25 December 2024 view source Phibeatrice (talk | contribs)Extended confirmed users5,287 edits HyperlinkTag: Visual editNext edit →
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{{Short description|American rapper (born 1977)}}
{{pp-move-indef}}
{{Redirect|Kanye||Kanye (disambiguation)|and|Kanye West (disambiguation)}}
{{Infobox Musical artist
{{pp-semi-indef|small=yes}}
|Name = Kanye West
{{pp-extended|small=yes}}
|Img = Kanye West at the 2009 Tribeca Film Festival.jpg<!--ATTENTION EDITORS: Per ], free-use images cannot be replaced with a fair-use copyrighted image. -->
{{Use American English|date=September 2021}}
|Img_capt = At the 2009 ]
{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2024}}
|Img_size =
{{Infobox person
|Background = solo_singer
| name = Kanye West<!--Do not change this per WP:COMMONNAME policy.-->
|Birth_name = Kanye Omari West
| image = Kanye West at the 2009 Tribeca Film Festival (crop 2).jpg
|Born = {{Birth date and age|mf=yes|1977|6|8}}<br /><small>], ]</small>
| caption = West in 2009
|Origin = ], ]
| birth_name = Kanye Omari West
|Genre = ], ], ]
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1977|6|8}}
|Instrument = ], ], ], ], ]
| birth_place = ], Georgia, U.S.
|Occupation = ], ], ], ]
| occupation = {{flatlist|
|Years_active = 1998–present
* Rapper
|Label = ], ], ]
* record producer
|Associated_acts = Go Getters<br>]<!--For groups of which he has been a member -->
* singer
|URL =
* songwriter
* fashion designer
}}
| organization = {{Hlist|]|]}}
| years_active = 1996–present
| other_names = {{flatlist|
* Ye{{efn|name=name}}
* Yeezy
* Yeezus
* Saint Pablo
* Louis Vuitton Don
}}
| spouse = {{marriage|]|2014|2022|reason=divorced}}
<!--Do not add Bianca Censori without consensus; see talk page-->| partner = ] (2022–present){{efn|West and Censori were reported to have married in a private ceremony in December 2022, though without an official marriage license. Censori has since been referred to as West's wife by media publications, as well as West himself.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.complex.com/music/a/alex-ocho/kanye-west-responds-to-fans-commenting-about-posting-wife|title=Kanye West Responds to Fans Commenting About Posting His Wife Three Times: 'Leave the King the F*ck Alone'|magazine=]|quote='I just wanted to tell everybody I posted my wife three times on purpose,' said Ye in a new video also shared on Monday from an airport.|date=February 12, 2024|last=Ocho|first=Alex|access-date=February 13, 2024|archive-date=February 13, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240213041930/https://www.complex.com/music/a/alex-ocho/kanye-west-responds-to-fans-commenting-about-posting-wife|url-status=live}}</ref>}}
| children = 4, including ]
| mother = ]
| relatives = {{plainlist|
* ] (cousin)
* ] (cousin)
}}
| awards = ]
| website = {{URL|yeezy.com}}
| signature = Kanyewestsignature.svg
| signature_size = 100px
| module = {{Infobox musical artist|embed=yes
| genre = {{flatlist|
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
<!-- don't change without discussing it first; refer to Talk:Kanye_West#Genre_consensus -->
}}
| discography = {{hlist|]|]|]|]}}
| origin = ], Illinois, U.S.
| label = {{flatlist|
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
}}
| current_member_of = {{flatlist|
* ]
* ]
* ]<ref name="amg"/>
}}
| past_member_of = {{flatlist|
* ]
* ]
* ]
}}
}}
}} }}


'''Ye'''{{efn|name=name|Ye has been his legal name since October 2021 {{Crossreference|selfref=no|(see {{section link||Name change}}).}}}} ({{IPAc-en|j|eɪ}} {{Respell|YAY}}; born '''Kanye Omari West''' {{IPAc-en|ˈ|k|ɑː|n|j|eɪ}} {{Respell|KAHN|yay}}; June 8, 1977)<!--Discuss at talk before adding a separate line stating "better known as", "known professionally as", or "also known as" Kanye West--> is an American rapper and record producer. One of the most prominent figures in ],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/10/26/arts/music/kanye-west-music-industry.html|title=Can Kanye West Find Refuge, or Money, in Music?|date=October 26, 2022|last1=Coscarelli|first1=Joe|last2=Sisario|first2=Ben|website=]|access-date=June 7, 2024|archive-date=June 7, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240607175953/https://www.nytimes.com/2022/10/26/arts/music/kanye-west-music-industry.html|url-status=live}}</ref> he is known for his varying musical style<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/arts-entertainment/2022/10/25/kanye-west-career-future/|title=Kanye West may have finally reached the point of no return|date=October 26, 2022|last=Andrews|first=Travis M.|newspaper=]|access-date=June 7, 2024|archive-date=March 25, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230325234523/https://www.washingtonpost.com/arts-entertainment/2022/10/25/kanye-west-career-future/|url-status=live}}</ref> and polarizing cultural and political commentary.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/10/17/business/kanye-west-parler.html|title=Kanye West to Buy Parler, Joining the Right-Wing Social Media Crowd|date=October 17, 2022|last1=Hsu|first1=Tiffany|last2=Gross|first2=Jenny|website=]|access-date=June 7, 2024|archive-date=April 4, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240404085215/https://www.nytimes.com/2022/10/17/business/kanye-west-parler.html|url-status=live}}</ref> After dropping out of college to pursue a career in music, West began producing for regional artists in the Chicago area. As an in-house producer for ], he co-produced albums including ]'s '']'' (2001) before signing with the label as a recording artist. West's debut studio album, '']'' (2004), was met with critical acclaim and yielded the ]-number one single "]". He peaked the chart on four other occasions with the singles "]" (2005), "]" (2007), "]" (2011, as a featured artist), and "]" (2024).
'''Kanye Omari West''' ({{pron-en|ˈkɑːnjeɪ}}; born June 8, 1977)<ref>{{cite web|accessdate=2008-04-26|url=http://www.channel4.com/music/features/K/kanyefacts.html|title=Kanye facts! |publisher=]|date=2007-08-17 }}</ref> is an American ], ], author, and ]. He released his debut album '']'' in 2004, his second album '']'' in 2005, his third album '']'' in 2007, and his fourth album '']'' in 2008. His first three albums (and his fourth to a lesser extent) have received numerous awards<ref>{{cite web|accessdate=2008-04-24|url=http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2005/02/14/in_depth_showbiz/main673822.shtml|title=2005 Grammy Award Winners|publisher=]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|accessdate=2008-04-24|url=http://www.cnn.com/2006/SHOWBIZ/Music/02/09/grammys.list/index.html|title= List of Grammy winners|publisher=CNN}}</ref><ref name="2005 grammy" /> and critical acclaim.<ref>{{cite web|accessdate=2008-04-24|url=http://www.metacritic.com/search/process?sort=relevance&ts=kanye+west|title=Kanye West|publisher=]}}</ref> All have been very commercially successful, with '']'' becoming his third consecutive #1 album in the U.S. upon release. West also runs his own record label ].<ref>{{cite web|accessdate=2008-04-24|url=http://www.gettingoutourdreams.com/|title=GOOD Music|publisher=]}}</ref> West's mascot and trademark is "Dropout Bear," a ] which has appeared on the covers of three of his four albums as well as various single covers and music videos.<ref>{{cite web|accessdate=2008-04-24|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A24383-2004Dec24.html|title=From Beyonce to Bono to Bruce, Busy B's Held Sway in Pop |work=] }}</ref>


West's second and third studio albums, '']'' (2005) and '']'' (2007), both debuted atop the ], the latter becoming West's most commercially successful to date. Three of his subsequent albums, '']'' (2008), '']'' (2010), and '']'' (2016), were certified ], and '']'' (2013) was certified double platinum. While not as well-received critically as his previous efforts, '']'' (2018), '']'' (2019), and '']'' (2021) continued West's series of consecutive number one debuts on the ''Billboard'' 200. West has also released the collaborative albums '']'' (2011) with ], '']'' (2018) with ], as well as '']'' and '']'' (2024) with ]. In fashion design, he has collaborated with ], ], and ] on clothing and footwear, and led the ] collaboration with ].<!--The lack of citations is purposeful. Refer to Misplaced Pages:Manual of Style/Lead section#Citations for more information. Misplaced Pages allows there to be few to no citations in the lead area if it is cited within the main body. If there is something in the lead not cited in the main part drop a {{not found in body}} tag to indicate a missing citation and it will be addressed.-->
West gained fame by producing for ], where he eventually achieved recognition for his work on ]'s album, '']'' as well as hit singles for musical artists including ], ], and ]. His style of production originally utilized pitched-up vocal samples from ] songs incorporated with his own drums and instruments. However, subsequent albums saw him broadening his musical palette and expressing influences ranging from '70s ], to ], and ].


One of the world's ] with 160 million records sold, West has won 24 ], the ] and most awarded for any hip-hop artist along with Jay-Z.<ref>{{cite news |last=Ellie Abraham |first=Ellie |date=July 19, 2021 |title=Kanye West is rumoured to be dropping a new album this week – but not everyone's convinced |work=] |url=https://www.indy100.com/news/kanye-west-album-release-music-b1886485 |access-date=July 19, 2021 |archive-date=July 19, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210719130333/https://www.indy100.com/news/kanye-west-album-release-music-b1886485 |url-status=live }}</ref> His ] include a ], a joint-record three ] for ], and the ].<ref name=":2" /> West holds the joint record (with ]) for most albums (4) topping the annual ] critic poll. '']'' named him one of the ] in 2005 and 2015.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Tyrangiel |first=Josh |date=April 18, 2005 |title=The 2005 TIME 100 – Kanye West |url=https://content.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1972656_1972696_1973215,00.html |magazine=Time |issn=0040-781X |access-date=November 12, 2021 |archive-date=October 30, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211030132152/https://content.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1972656_1972696_1973215,00.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Selby |first=Jenn |date=April 17, 2015 |title=Emma Watson and Kanye West named in TIME 100 most influential people of 2015 |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/kanye-west-emma-watson-named-time-100-most-influential-people-2015-10182077.html |access-date=November 12, 2021 |newspaper=The Independent |archive-date=November 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211112181615/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/kanye-west-emma-watson-named-time-100-most-influential-people-2015-10182077.html |url-status=live }}</ref> West's first six solo albums were included on '']''{{'}}s ] list in 2020, with the same publication naming him one of the ].<ref>{{Cite magazine |title=100 Greatest Songwriters of All Time |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/100-greatest-songwriters |magazine=Rolling Stone |access-date=May 24, 2020 |archive-date=August 13, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150813101755/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/100-greatest-songwriters |url-status=live }}</ref>
] ranked Kanye West #8 on their "Top 50 Hip-Hop Producers" list.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://rap.about.com/od/toppicks/ss/Top50Producers_8.htm |title=Top 50 Hip-Hop Producers |author=Henry Adaso |coauthors=Ivan Rott, Renato P., Bhaskar S., Henry A. |publisher=] |pages=8}}</ref> On May 16, 2008, Kanye West was crowned by ] as the year's #1 ''"Hottest MC in the Game."''<ref>{{cite web|last=Reid |first=Shaheem |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1587618/20080516/west_kanye.jhtml |title='Hottest MCs In The Game': #1 Kanye West |publisher=Mtv.com |date=2008-05-16 |accessdate=2009-07-18}}</ref>


West's ] have received significant media coverage. He has been a frequent source of controversy due to his conduct on ], at award shows and public settings, as well as his comments on the ] and ], ], ], and ]. His Christian faith, high-profile marriage to ], and mental health have also been topics of media attention.<ref>{{cite magazine |date=October 8, 2022 |title=Instagram Restricts Kanye West's Account and Deletes Content for Violating Policies |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/digital/instagram-restricts-kanye-west-account-deletes-content-1235236269/ |access-date=October 9, 2022 |magazine=The Hollywood Reporter |archive-date=October 9, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221009000722/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/digital/instagram-restricts-kanye-west-account-deletes-content-1235236269/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Graham2019">{{cite magazine |last1=Graham |first1=Ruth |title=Evangelicals Are Extremely Excited About Kanye's Jesus Is King |url=https://slate.com/human-interest/2019/10/kanye-west-jesus-is-king-evangelical-biblical.html |magazine=] |access-date=October 29, 2019 |date=October 28, 2019 |archive-date=October 29, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191029162030/https://slate.com/human-interest/2019/10/kanye-west-jesus-is-king-evangelical-biblical.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Schaffstall">{{cite magazine |last1=Schaffstall |first1=Katherine |title=Kanye West Unveils New 'Jesus Is King' Album; Talks "Cancel Culture" and "Christian Innovation" |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/kanye-west-jesus-is-king-album-cancel-culture-christianity-1250025 |magazine=] |access-date=October 29, 2019 |date=October 25, 2019 |archive-date=October 29, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191029144642/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/kanye-west-jesus-is-king-album-cancel-culture-christianity-1250025 |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2020, West launched an unsuccessful ] that advocated for a ]. In October 2022, he was widely condemned and lost many sponsors and partnerships{{emdash}}including his collaborations with Adidas, Gap, and ]{{emdash}}after ] of ] statements, including ].
==Life and career==
<!-- There is no mention on this page about Freshman Adjustment, West's mixtape released in 2005 ] -->
Kanye West was born in ],<ref>{{cite web|accessdate=2008-04-26|url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-142980674.html|title=Kanye West Coming To Redbird. |work=]|date=2006-03-08 }}</ref> where he lived with both of his parents. When he was three years old, his parents divorced, and he and his mother moved to ], ].<ref name="leader" /> His father was Ray West, a former ] who was one of the first black ]s at the ''],'' and is now a Christian counselor.<ref name="leader">{{cite web|url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1355/is_19_111/ai_n19206336|title=Dr. Donda West tells how she shaped son to be a leader in 'Raising Kanye'|author= Christian, Margena A.|date=2007-05-14|work=]|accessdate=2007-08-19}}</ref> West's mother, Dr. Donda West, was a Professor of English at ], and the Chair of the English Department at ] before retiring to serve as West's manager. He was raised in a ] background, attending Polaris High School<ref name="KWstBio5">{{cite web|url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1077/is_8_59/ai_n6047908|title=The Many Faces of Kanye West|accessdate=2007-07-19|work=]}}</ref> in suburban ] after living in ].<ref name="cant ignore">{{cite news|url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1096499,00.html|title=Why You Can't Ignore Kanye|accessdate=2007-06-07|work=]}}</ref>


== Early life ==
West took some art classes at the ], a Chicago art school, and also enrolled at ], but dropped out due to poor grades and a primary interest in working on his music career.<ref name="education" /> While attending school, West produced for local artists. He later gained fame by producing hit singles for major hip hop/R&B artists, including ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ] among others. He also "ghost-produced" for his mentor ], according to his song "Last Call" and the credits of ]' "Poppa Was a Playa".<ref name="education">{{cite web|accessdate=2008-04-24|url=http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2007/08/24/entertainment/e135410D82.DTL|title=Kanye West Trumpets Education in TV Spot |work=] }}</ref>
West was born on June 8, 1977, in ], Georgia.{{efn|Most biographies and reference works state that West was born in Atlanta, although some sources give his birthplace as ], a small city west of Atlanta.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=JanbEhQx5RwC&pg=PA15 |title=Kanye West: Grammy-Winning Hip-Hop Artist & Producer |first1=Audrey |last1=Borus |first2=Douglas |last2=Lynne |access-date=June 8, 2020 |isbn=978-1-61783-623-7 |year=2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Revolt TV |title=A timeline of Kanye West's 41 years of excellence |url=https://www.revolt.tv/2018/6/8/20819428/a-timeline-of-kanye-west-s-41-years-of-excellence |website=Revolt |date=June 8, 2018 |access-date=June 8, 2020 |archive-date=June 9, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200609022529/https://www.revolt.tv/2018/6/8/20819428/a-timeline-of-kanye-west-s-41-years-of-excellence |url-status=live }}</ref>}} After his parents divorced when he was three years old, he moved with his mother to ], Illinois.<ref>{{cite web|last=Arney|first=Steve|access-date=April 26, 2008|url=https://www.pantagraph.com/news/article_79bc1031-1dc9-511b-8444-243951568e4b.html|title=Kanye West Coming To Redbird.|work=]|date=March 8, 2006|archive-date=April 28, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130428042047/https://www.pantagraph.com/news/article_79bc1031-1dc9-511b-8444-243951568e4b.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="leader">{{cite news|url=https://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1355/is_19_111/ai_n19206336|title=Dr. Donda West Tells How She Shaped Son To Be A Leader In ''Raising Kanye''|first=Margena A.|last=Christian|date=May 14, 2007|work=]|access-date=August 19, 2007|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071113155045/https://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1355/is_19_111/ai_n19206336|archive-date=November 13, 2007}}</ref> His father, Ray West, is a former ] and was one of the first black photojournalists at '']''. Ray later became a Christian counselor,<ref name="leader" /> and in 2006, opened the Good Water Store and Café in ], with startup capital from his son.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mygoodwater.com/about.html|title=About|publisher=Westar Waterworks, LLC t/a The Good Water Store and Café|access-date=December 31, 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120623223030/https://www.mygoodwater.com/about.html|archive-date=June 23, 2012}}</ref><ref name=wapo-water>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/12/06/AR2006120602139.html|title=How'd You Like Your Water?|first=Michael|last=Tunison|newspaper=]|date=December 7, 2006|access-date=December 31, 2012|archive-date=December 8, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161208084954/https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/12/06/AR2006120602139.html|url-status=live}}</ref> West's mother, ] (née Williams),<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=JanbEhQx5RwC&pg=PA15 |title=Kanye West: Grammy-Winning Hip-Hop Artist & Producer |first1=Audrey |last1=Borus |first2=Douglas |last2=Lynne |access-date=September 2, 2013 |isbn=978-1-61783-623-7 |year=2013}}</ref> was a professor of English at ] and the Chair of the English Department at ] before retiring to serve as his manager.


West was raised in a middle-class environment, attending Polaris School for Individual Education<ref name="KWstBio5">{{cite magazine |last=Davis |first=Kimberly |date=June 2004 |title=The Many Faces of Kanye West |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=J9kDAAAAMBAJ&q=kanye&pg=PA93 |magazine=] |page=92 |access-date=July 19, 2007 |archive-date=March 2, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240302200411/https://books.google.com/books?id=J9kDAAAAMBAJ&q=kanye&pg=PA93#v=snippet&q=kanye&f=false |url-status=live }}</ref> in suburban ], after living in Chicago.<ref name="cant ignore">{{cite magazine |last=Tyrangiel |first=Josh |date=August 21, 2005 |title=Why You Can't Ignore Kanye |url=https://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1096499,00.html |url-status=dead |magazine=] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070401082700/https://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0%2C9171%2C1096499%2C00.html |archive-date=April 1, 2007 |access-date=June 7, 2007}}</ref> At the age of 10, West moved with his mother to ], where she was teaching at ] as a ].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Dillon |first1=Nancy |title=Donda West gave her all to enrich son Kanye West's life |url=https://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/gossip/donda-west-gave-enrich-son-kanye-west-life-article-1.256037 |website=] |date=November 14, 2007 |access-date=July 31, 2021 |archive-date=July 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230723234715/https://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/gossip/donda-west-gave-enrich-son-kanye-west-life-article-1.256037 |url-status=live }}</ref> According to his mother, West was the only foreigner in his class, but he settled in well and quickly picked up the language, although he has since forgotten most of it.<ref>{{cite book|last=West|first=Donda|author-link=Donda West|title=Raising Kanye: Life Lessons from the Mother of a Hip-Hop Superstar|publisher=Pocket Books|year=2007|location=New York City|pages=|isbn=978-1-4165-4470-8|url-access=registration|url=https://archive.org/details/raisingkanyelive00west/page/85}}</ref> When asked about his grades in high school, West replied, "I got A's and B's."<ref>{{cite web|last=Mos|first=Corey|title=College Dropout Kanye Tells High School Students Not To Follow in His Footsteps|url=https://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1517484/20051205/west_kanye.jhtml|website=]|date=December 5, 2005|access-date=July 28, 2006|archive-date=December 8, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101208030420/https://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1517484/20051205/west_kanye.jhtml|url-status=dead}}</ref>
===Early career===
West’s sound is featured heavily on ]'s critically acclaimed album ''],'' released on September 11, 2001.<ref name="king" /> His work was featured on the lead single "]," "Heart of the City (Ain't No Love)" and a ] against ] and ] named "]"; West has worked with Mobb Deep and Nas since the track's release.<ref name="king" /> West soon became a major name in hip hop production following the release of the album, but struggled to find a way to get a record deal. Jay-Z admitted that ] was initially reluctant to support West as a rapper, claiming that he saw him as a producer first and foremost.<ref>{{cite web|accessdate=2008-04-27|url=http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-33426663_ITM|title=Kanye west: the man, the music, and the message.(Biography) |publisher=The Black Collegian|date=2007-10-01 }}</ref> Multiple record companies pushed him aside because he was not the stereotypical hip hop artist.<ref>{{cite web|accessdate=2008-04-27|url=http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2007/09/20/72163446|title=The sirens of two of hip-hop's titans |work=]|date=2007-09-20|author=Kadrmas, Megan }}</ref> Companies felt he was not as marketable as rappers who portray the "street image" prominent in hip hop culture.<ref name="last call" />


West demonstrated an affinity for the arts at an early age; he began writing poetry when he was five years old.<ref name=Chicago>{{cite news|title=Kanye and His Mom Shared Special Bond|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2007/11/13/kanye-and-his-mom-shared-special-bond/|work=]|date=November 13, 2007|access-date=August 7, 2012|archive-date=February 21, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160221044031/https://articles.chicagotribune.com/2007-11-13/news/0711130488_1_chicago-state-university-degree-from-auburn-university-kanye-west|url-status=live}}</ref> West started rapping in the third grade and began making musical compositions in the seventh grade, eventually selling them to other artists.<ref name=KanplicatedPg2>{{cite web|author=Calloway, Sway|author2=Reid, Shaheem|title=Kanye West: Kanplicated|url=https://www.mtv.com/bands/w/west_kanye/news_feature_022404/index2.jhtml|date=February 20, 2004|publisher=MTV|access-date=April 21, 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090406021640/https://www.mtv.com/bands/w/west_kanye/news_feature_022404/index2.jhtml|archive-date=April 6, 2009}}</ref> West crossed paths with producer ], who became West's friend and mentor.<ref name=":0">{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=bXy2wTEsbCsC|title=Icons of Hip Hop: An Encyclopedia of the Movement, Music, and Culture|last=Dills|first=Todd|publisher=Greenwood Publishing Group|year=2007|isbn=978-0-313-33904-2|editor-last=Hess|editor-first=Mickey|volume=2|location=Westport, CT|pages=555–578|language=en|access-date=September 2, 2017|archive-date=July 23, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230723234713/https://books.google.com/books?id=bXy2wTEsbCsC|url-status=live}}</ref>{{Rp|557}} After graduating from high school, West received a scholarship to attend Chicago's ] in 1997 and began taking painting classes. Shortly after, he transferred to Chicago State University to study English. At age 20, he dropped out to pursue his musical career.<ref>West, Donda, p. 106</ref> This greatly displeased his mother, who was also a professor at the university, although she would later accept the decision.<ref name=":0" />{{Rp|558}}
===''The College Dropout'' (2002–2004)===
On October 23, 2002, West was involved in a near fatal car crash while driving home from the recording studio. The crash provided inspiration for West's first single, "]".<ref name="amg">{{cite web|date=2007|accessdate=2008-04-24|url=http://allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=11:hcfixqwjld0e~T1|title=Kanye West&nbsp;— Biography|last=Birchmeier|first=Jason|publisher=]}}</ref> West's faith is apparent in many of his songs, such as "]", which became a staple at his benefit performances, such as the ] concert. These songs were featured on West's debut album, '']'', which was released on ] in February 2004, and went on to receive critical acclaim. The album also defined the style for which West would become known, including wordplay and ].<ref name="amg"/> The album was eventually certified triple platinum. Guest appearances included ], ], ], ], ], ], ], and ]. The album also featured the singles, "]" and "]", as well as Twista's number one single, "]".<ref>{{cite web|accessdate=2008-04-24|url=http://www.calgarysun.com/cgi-bin/publish.cgi?p=92360&x=articles&s=showbiz|title=Grand Kanye |work=] }}</ref> During 2003 Kanye also co-produced songs for British singer ], even appearing in the music video to ] playing the love interest of Javine.


== Musical career ==
West was involved in a financial dispute over ]'s song "Heartbeat", produced by West and released on ''Build & Destroy: The Lost Sessions''. West maintains that Royce never paid for the beat, but recorded to it and released it; hearing him on the beat, the original customers decided not to buy it from West. After the disagreement, West vowed to never work with Royce again.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hiphopsite.com/NEWS/interviews.hhs?news_id=FEA3B39B-C571-4ACB-A096-6600549EA18B|title=Kanye West Speaks Through The Wire|accessdate=2007-06-07|publisher=HipHopSite}}</ref> Other Kanye West-produced hit singles during the period ''The College Dropout'' was released included "]" by ], "]" by ] and "]" by ].<ref name="amg"/>
=== 1996–2002: Early work and Roc-A-Fella ===
West began his early production career in the mid-1990s, creating beats primarily for burgeoning local artists in the Chicago area. He received his first official production credits at age nineteen, when he produced eight tracks on ''Down to Earth'', the 1996 debut album of Chicago-based ] rapper Grav.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Photos: Kanye West's Career Highs—and Lows 1 of 24|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/pictures/photos-kanye-wests-career-highs-and-lows-20101210|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=December 10, 2010|access-date=March 4, 2013|archive-date=February 16, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130216104340/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/pictures/photos-kanye-wests-career-highs-and-lows-20101210|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 1998, West was the first producer signed to the management-production company ], founded by Gee Roberson and Kyambo "Hip-Hop" Joshua.<ref>{{cite web |title=Gee Starts Own Label |url=https://hitsdailydouble.com/news&id=287384&title+Gee-Starts-Own-Label |website=Hits Daily Double |access-date=February 3, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200203080324/https://hitsdailydouble.com/news%26id%3D308429 |archive-date=February 3, 2020 |date=December 21, 2012 |url-status=live }}<br />{{cite web |title=Gee, Is He Making Moves? |url=https://hitsdailydouble.com/news&id=308429 |website=HitsDailyDouble |access-date=February 3, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200203080324/https://hitsdailydouble.com/news%26id%3D308429 |archive-date=February 3, 2020 |date=September 20, 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref> For a time, West acted as a ghost producer for ]. Due to his association with Angelettie, West was not able to release a solo album, so he formed the Go-Getters, a hip-hop group composed of him and fellow Chicago natives ], Timmy G, Really Doe, and Arrowstar.<ref name=Barber>{{cite web|author=Barber, Andrew|title=93. Go-Getters "Let Em In" (2000)|url=https://www.complex.com/music/2012/07/the-100-best-kanye-west-songs/let-em-in|work=]|date=July 23, 2012|access-date=August 7, 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120727014600/https://www.complex.com/music/2012/07/the-100-best-kanye-west-songs/let-em-in|archive-date=July 27, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=Reid, Shaheem|title=Music Geek Kanye's Kast of Thousands|url=https://www.mtv.com/bands/m/music_geek/kanyewest_100305/|publisher=MTV|date=September 30, 2005|access-date=April 23, 2006|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060415173601/https://www.mtv.com/bands/m/music_geek/kanyewest_100305/|archive-date=April 15, 2006}}</ref> The Go-Getters independently released their first and only studio album, ''World Record Holders'' in 1999 through West's company, ].<ref name=Barber /> West spent much of the late 1990s further producing for several musical acts.<ref name="Saddleback">{{cite book |title=Kanye West: Hip-Hop Biographies |year=2013 |publisher=Saddleback Education Publishing |isbn=978-1-62250-016-1 |page=18}}</ref> He produced the third track on ]'s second studio album '']'' (1999), which became the second hip-hop album by a female rapper to peak atop the US ] chart.<ref name="Saddleback" />


]'s '']''. The two are pictured here in 2011.]]
===''Late Registration'' (2005)===
In 2000, West began producing for artists on ] as an in-house producer. West is often credited with revitalizing Jay-Z's career with extensive contributions to his 2001 album '']'',<ref name="Mitchum" /> which ''Rolling Stone'' ranked among their list of greatest hip-hop albums.<ref name="RS500">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/500-greatest-albums-of-all-time-20120531/jay-z-the-blueprint-20120524|title=500 Greatest Albums of All Time: #464 (The Blueprint)|magazine=]|date=November 18, 2003|access-date=December 11, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160715175432/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/500-greatest-albums-of-all-time-20120531/jay-z-the-blueprint-20120524|archive-date=July 15, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> West produced songs for label cohorts such as ] and ], but also produced beats which were used by artists on other labels including ], ], and ].<ref name="Mitchum">Mitchum, Rob. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090731093001/https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/8767-the-college-dropout/ |date=July 31, 2009 }}. ]. Retrieved July 23, 2009.</ref><ref name=auto>Serpick, Evan. . ''Rolling Stone'' Jann Wenner. Retrieved December 26, 2009.</ref> Meanwhile, West struggled to attain a record deal as a rapper.<ref name="Road">{{Cite news|url=https://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1496766/road-grammys-kanye-west.jhtml|title=Road to the Grammys: The Making Of Kanye West's College Dropout|last=Reid|first=Shaheem|date=February 9, 2005|access-date=January 4, 2009|publisher=MTV|archive-date=July 18, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110718104107/https://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1496766/road-grammys-kanye-west.jhtml|url-status=dead}}</ref> Multiple record companies, including ],<ref name=KanplicatedPg2 /> denied or ignored him because he did not portray the ] image prominent in mainstream hip-hop at the time.<ref name=":0" />{{Rp|556}} Desperate to keep West from defecting to another label, then-label head ] reluctantly signed West to Roc-A-Fella as a recording artist.<ref name=":0" />{{Rp|556}}<ref>{{cite web|author=Williams, Jean A|access-date=April 27, 2008|url=https://www.blackcollegian.com/kanye-west-the-man-the-music-and-the-message/|title=Kanye West: The Man, the Music, and the Message. (Biography)|publisher=The Black Collegian|date=October 1, 2007|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150125003250/https://www.blackcollegian.com/kanye-west-the-man-the-music-and-the-message/|archive-date=January 25, 2015}}</ref>
] performing "]" at the ] in ].]]
Taking a more eclectic route, West collaborated with American ] composer ] to conscruct his second album, '']'', which was released on August 30, 2005.<ref name=Pilot>{{cite web |author=Perez, Rodrigo |title=Kanye's Co-Pilot, Jon Brion, Talks About The Making Of Late Registration|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1507538/20050812/west_kanye.jhtml|work=] |publisher=] |date=2005-08-12 |accessdate=2006-03-02}}</ref> Like its predecessor, the sophomore effort garnered universal acclaim from music critics.<ref name=metacritc>{{cite web|last= |first=|url=http://www.metacritic.com/music/artists/westkanye/lateregistration|title=''Late Registration''|work=]|publisher=] |date=2005-09-04 |accessdate=2005-09-04}}</ref> ''Late Registration'' topped countless critic polls and was revered as the best album of the year by numerous publications, including '']'', '']'', and '']''.<ref name=TimeBest05>{{cite web | author= ]| title=Best of 2005: Music | url=http://www.time.com/time/arts/article/0,8599,1142059,00.html| work= ]| publisher=]| date=2005-12-16 | accessdate=2006-03-14}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=Hermes, Will |url=http://www.spin.com/articles/40-best-albums-2005?page=0%2C3|title=The 40 Best Albums of 2005|work=Spin| publisher=Spin Media, LLC|date=2005-12-31|accessdate=2008-04-26}}</ref> '']'' awarded the album the highest position on their end of the year record list and hailed it as a "sweepingly generous, absurdly virtuosic hip-hop classic."<ref>{{cite web |author=|title=1. Kanye West|url=http://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/8957147/1_kanye_west|work=Rolling Stone |publisher=RealNetworks, Inc |date=2005-12-15 |accessdate=2007-09-16}}</ref> The record earned the number one spot on the '']'''s Pazz & Jop critics' poll of 2005 for the second consecutive year.<ref>{{cite web |author=Christgau, Robert|title=New York Pazz and Jop Dean's List|url=http://www.villagevoice.com/2006-01-24/pazzandjop/dean-s-list|work=Village Voice |publisher=Village Voice Media Holdings, LLC|date=2006-01-24 |accessdate=2007-05-22}}</ref> ''Late Registration'' was also a commercial succes, selling over 860,000 copies in its first week alone and topping the '']''.<ref>{{cite web|accessdate=2008-04-24|url=http://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/7606082/kanye_west_blows_up|title=Kanye West Blows Up |work=]}}</ref> Grossing over 2.3 million units sold in the United States alone by year's end, ''Late Registration'' was considered by industry observers as the sole majorly successful album release of the fall of 2005, a season that was plagued by steadily declining CD sales.<ref>{{cite web |author=Knopper, Steve|title=Kanye Couldn't Save Fall|url=http://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/8829100/kanye_couldnt_save_fall|work=Rolling Stone |publisher=RealNetworks, Inc |date=2005-11-15 |accessdate=2005-11-27}}</ref> The sophomore album earned eight ] nominations including ''Album of the Year'' and ''Record of the Year'' for the song "Gold Digger".<ref>{{cite web|accessdate=2008-04-26|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/02/09/AR2006020901436_pf.html|title=Lessons Taught by Grammy |work=]|date=2006-02-10|author=Robinson, Eugene }}</ref> The album is certified triple platinum.<ref name=riaa>{{cite web|url=http://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?resultpage=1&table=SEARCH_RESULTS&action=&title=&artist=kanye&format=ALBUM&debutLP=&category=&sex=&releaseDate=&requestNo=&type=&level=&label=&company=&certificationDate=&awardDescription=&catalogNo=&aSex=&rec_id=&charField=&gold=&platinum=&multiPlat=&level2=&certDate=&album=&id=&after=&before=&startMonth=1&endMonth=1&startYear=1958&endYear=2009&sort=Artist&perPage=25|title=RIAA – Gold & Platinum|date=2008-12-12|accessdate=2008-12-12|work=]|publisher=Nielsen Business Media Inc}}</ref>


A 2002 car accident, which shattered his jaw,<ref name=wsws /><ref>{{cite web|url=https://finance.yahoo.com/news/kanye-west-apos-2002-car-211020679.html|title=How Kanye West's 2002 Car Crash Shaped His Entire Career|publisher=Yahoo-Finance|access-date=June 6, 2018|archive-date=April 15, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220415153441/https://finance.yahoo.com/news/kanye-west-apos-2002-car-211020679.html|url-status=live}}</ref> inspired West; two weeks after being admitted to the hospital, he recorded "]" at the ] with his jaw still wired shut.<ref name=wsws>Kearney, Kevin (September 30, 2005). {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160401225638/https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2005/09/kany-s30.html |date=April 1, 2016 }}. World Socialist Web Site. Retrieved September 23, 2007.</ref> The song was first included on West's debut ] ''Get Well Soon...'', which was released in December 2002.<ref>{{cite web|author=Kamer, Foster|access-date=June 6, 2018|url=https://www.complex.com/music/the-50-best-rapper-mixtapes/kanye-west-get-well-soon|title=9. Kanye West, Get Well Soon ... (2003)—The 50 Best Rapper Mixtapes|work=]|date=March 11, 2013|archive-date=March 13, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130313223732/https://www.complex.com/music/2013/03/the-50-best-rapper-mixtapes/kanye-west-get-well-soon|url-status=live}}</ref> At the same time, West announced that he was working on an album titled ''The College Dropout'', whose overall theme was to "make your own decisions. Don't let society tell you, 'This is what you have to do.'"<ref>Reid, Shaheem (December 10, 2002). " {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131228152622/https://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1459071/kanye-west-raps-through-broken-jaw.jhtml |date=December 28, 2013 }}". MTV. Retrieved October 23, 2007.</ref>
On August 22, 2005, the ] special ''All Eyes On Kanye West'' aired, in which West spoke out against ] in hip-hop. He claimed that hip-hop has always been about "speaking your mind and about breaking down barriers, but everyone in hip-hop discriminates against ]."<ref name="just">{{cite web|accessdate=2008-04-24|url=http://media.www.gwhatchet.com/media/storage/paper332/news/2005/09/08/Opinions/Column.More.Than.Just.A.Rapper-978469.shtml|title=Column: More than just a rapper |work=] }}</ref> He then reflected on a personal experience. He said that he had a "turning point" when he realized one of his cousins was gay. He said regarding this experience: "This is my cousin. I love him and I've been discriminating against gays." He drew comparison between African Americans' struggle for ] and today's ] movement. The following year, in an interview with '']'', West further expounded his experiences with and views on the relationship between the black and gay communities.<ref>{{cite journal|journal=]|date=October 2007|title=Kanye West}}</ref>


=== 2003–2006: ''The College Dropout'' and ''Late Registration'' ===
On September 2, 2005, during a ] for ] relief on ], '']'', West was a featured speaker. Controversy arose when West was presenting, as he deviated from the prepared script.<ref>{{cite web|accessdate=2008-04-24|url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zIUzLpO1kxI&NR|title=
{{Main|The College Dropout|Late Registration}}
Bush Doesnt Care About Black People|publisher=]}}</ref> The actor ], with whom West was paired to present, spoke next and continued to read the script. Once it was West's turn to speak again, he said "George Bush doesn't care about black people." At this point, telethon producer ] cut off the microphone and then cut away to ], who was unaware of the cut for a few seconds. Still, West's comment reached much of the United States.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eonline.com/news/article/index.jsp?uuid=44415a2b-7481-45f8-91a3-630b0b5510de&entry=index|title=NBC KO's Kanye's Bush Bashing|last=Byrne|first=Bridget|work=E! News|publisher=]|date=2005-10-04|accessdate=2008-01-12}}
] in December 2005 as a supporting act for ] on their ]]]
</ref>


West recorded the remainder of the album in Los Angeles while recovering from the car accident. It was leaked months before its release date,<ref name="Road" /> and West used the opportunity to remix, remaster, and revise the album before its release;<ref>{{cite web|last=Patel|first=Joseph|title=Producer Kanye West's Debut LP Features Jay-Z, ODB, Mos Def|url=https://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1472302/kanye-west-readying-debut-lp.jhtml|date=June 5, 2003|publisher=MTV|access-date=April 21, 2009|archive-date=October 26, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121026080735/https://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1472302/kanye-west-readying-debut-lp.jhtml|url-status=dead}}</ref> West added new verses, ], ]s, and improved drum programming.<ref name="Road" /> The album was postponed three times from its initial date in August 2003,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://popmatters.com/pm/review/westkanye-getwellsoon/|title=Kanye West: Get Well Soon / I'm Good|first=Hartley|last=Goldstein|date=December 5, 2003|work=]|access-date=March 21, 2013|archive-date=June 21, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130621015704/https://www.popmatters.com/pm/review/westkanye-getwellsoon/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://cdn.best.complex.com/music/2011/09/clinton-sparks-30-favorite-mixtapes/get-well-soon|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130119184429/https://cdn.best.complex.com/music/2011/09/clinton-sparks-30-favorite-mixtapes/get-well-soon|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 19, 2013|title=Kanye West × The Heavy Hitters, Get Well Soon (2003)—Clinton Sparks' 30 Favorite Mixtapes|work=]|date=September 21, 2011|access-date=December 9, 2012|author=Ahmed, Insanul}}</ref> and was eventually released in February 2004, reaching No.&nbsp;2 on the ''Billboard'' 200 as his debut single, "]" peaked at No.&nbsp;15 while on the ] chart for five weeks.<ref name=acharts> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930204917/https://acharts.us/song/337 |date=September 30, 2007 }}. aCharts.us. Retrieved July 3, 2010.</ref> "]", his second single, featuring ] and ], became the three musicians' first No.&nbsp;1 hit. ''The College Dropout'' received critical acclaim, was nominated for the top album of the year by '']'' and '']'',<ref>{{Cite magazine |author=Billboard Staff |date=September 14, 2004 |title=32nd American Music Awards Nominees |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/32nd-american-music-awards-nominees-66500/ |access-date=February 12, 2024 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US |archive-date=February 12, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240212181432/https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/32nd-american-music-awards-nominees-66500/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |author=Billboard Staff |date=November 30, 2004 |title=2004 Billboard Music Awards Finalists |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/2004-billboard-music-awards-finalists-65464/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151112062939/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/65464/2004-billboard-music-awards-finalists |archive-date=November 12, 2015 |access-date=February 12, 2024 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US}}</ref> and has consistently been ranked among the great hip-hop works and debut albums by artists.<ref name=USAToday/><ref name=NYTimes/>
In September 2005, West announced that he would release his ] line in spring 2006:<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.stuffmagazine.com/articles/index.aspx?id=1171|title=Stuff Style Icon of the Year |accessdate=2007-06-07|work=]}}</ref> "Now that I have a Grammy under my belt and ''Late Registration'' is finished, I am ready to launch my clothing line next spring." The current status of this project is unknown. In that year, West produced the hit singles "]" by ] and "]" by ].<ref>{{cite web|accessdate=2008-04-24|url=http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/okgo/articles/story/7593141/new_cds_kanye_clapton|title=New CDs: Kanye, Clapton|work=] }}</ref>


"]", the album's fourth single, reached the top 20 of the ''Billboard'' pop charts, despite industry executives' predictions that a song containing such blatant declarations of faith would never make it to the radio.<ref name=USAToday>{{Cite news|last=Jones|first=Steve|title=Kanye West runs away with 'Jesus Walks'|url=https://usatoday30.usatoday.com/life/music/news/2005-02-10-kanye-west-main_x.htm|work=]|date=February 10, 2005|access-date=January 7, 2009|archive-date=October 25, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025231046/https://usatoday30.usatoday.com/life/music/news/2005-02-10-kanye-west-main_x.htm|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=NYTimes>{{Cite news|last=Leland|first=John|author-link=John Leland (journalist)|title=Rappers Are Raising Their Churches' Roofs|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2004/09/13/arts/music/13hiph.html?pagewanted=all&position=|work=]|date=August 13, 2004|access-date=January 7, 2009|archive-date=May 28, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150528052014/https://www.nytimes.com/2004/09/13/arts/music/13hiph.html?pagewanted=all&position=|url-status=live}}</ref> ''The College Dropout'' was certified ] in the U.S., and garnered West 10 Grammy nominations, including ], and ] (which it received).<ref name="grammy">{{Cite news|last=Montgomery|first=James|title=Kanye Scores 10 Grammy Nominations; Usher And Alicia Keys Land Eight|url=https://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1494569/kanye-scores-10-grammy-nominations.jhtml|publisher=MTV|date=December 7, 2004|access-date=January 7, 2009|archive-date=April 11, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110411073415/https://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1494569/kanye-scores-10-grammy-nominations.jhtml|url-status=dead}}</ref> During this period, West founded GOOD Music, a record label and management company that housed affiliate artists and producers, such as No I.D. and ],<ref name="Sheffield">Sheffield, Rob (November 22, 2010). {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101218061924/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/albumreviews/my-beautiful-dark-twisted-fantasy-20101109 |date=December 18, 2010 }}. '']''. Retrieved November 11, 2010.</ref> and produced singles for ], ], Legend, and ].<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/artists/kanye-west/biography|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110930054329/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/artists/kanye-west/biography|url-status=dead|archive-date=September 30, 2011|title=2004–2005 production credits|magazine=]|access-date=August 19, 2016}}</ref>
===Awards and controversy (2006)===
In January 2006, West again sparked controversy when he appeared on the cover of '']'' in the image of Jesus wearing a crown of thorns.<ref>{{cite web|accessdate=2008-04-27|url=http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20060126/ent/ent3.html|title= Kanye West poses as Jesus on cover of 'Rolling Stone' |publisher=]|date=2006-01-26 }}</ref> In 2006 he told ], "I throw up historical subjects in a way that makes kids want to learn about them," West claimed, "I'm definitely in the history books already."<ref>{{cite web|accessdate=2008-04-24|url=http://www.thestateofhiphop.com/rap-lyrics-kanyewest.html|title=Accurate Kanye West Lyrics|publisher=The State of Hip Hop}}</ref>


West invested $2&nbsp;million and took over a year to make his second album.<ref>Brown, p. 120</ref> West was inspired by '']'', a 1998 live album by English ] group ], produced with the ],<ref name=Praise>{{cite news|author=Scaggs, Austin|title=Kanye West: A Genius In Praise of Himself|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/kanye-west-a-genius-in-praise-of-himself-20070920|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=September 20, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090309060656/https://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/16257550/kanye_west_a_genius_in_praise_of_himself/print|archive-date=March 9, 2009|access-date=August 9, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> incorporating ]s into his hip-hop production. Though West had not been able to afford many live instruments around the time of his debut album, the money from his commercial success enabled him to hire a ] for his second album '']''.<ref name=Praise /> West collaborated with American ] composer ], who served as the album's co-executive producer for several tracks.<ref name=Pilot>Perez, Rodrigo (August 12, 2005). {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051105015432/https://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1507538/20050812/west_kanye.jhtml |date=November 5, 2005 }}. ]. ]. Retrieved March 2, 2006.</ref><ref name=Pg124>Brown, p. 124</ref> ''Late Registration'' sold over 2.3&nbsp;million units in the United States alone by the end of 2005 and was considered by industry observers as the only successful major album release of the fall season, which had been plagued by steadily declining CD sales.<ref>{{cite magazine|author=Knopper, Steve|title=Kanye Couldn't Save Fall|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/_/id/8829100/kanyewest|magazine=Rolling Stone|publisher=RealNetworks, Inc|date=November 15, 2005|access-date=November 27, 2005|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051201190546/https://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/_/id/8829100/kanyewest|archive-date=December 1, 2005|url-status=dead}}</ref>
After the 2006 ] nominations were released, West said he would "really have a problem" if he didn't win the ] because of the comments, saying "I don't care what I do, I don't care how much I stunt&nbsp;— you can never take away from the amount of work I put into it. I don't want to hear all of that politically correct stuff."<ref>{{cite web|accessdate=2008-04-26|url=http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/sfgate/detail?blogid=7&entry_id=2120|title=Kanye Has His Sights on Best Album |work=] }}</ref> West won several Grammy awards, including Best Rap Album, but did not win the Album of the Year Award.<ref name="praises" /> The award instead went to ]'s ''].'' Coincidentally, in November 2006, West was the opening act for U2 during the fifth leg of their Vertigo Tour in Australia and New Zealand.<ref name="praises">{{cite web|accessdate=2008-04-24|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/02/03/AR2006020301673_pf.html|title=Kanye West, Singing His Own Praises |work=] }}</ref>


When his song "]" failed to win Best Video at the 2006 ], West went onto the stage as the award was being presented to ] and ] for "]" and argued that he should have won the award instead.<ref>{{cite news|access-date=April 24, 2008|url=https://www.foxnews.com/story/kanye-west-unleashes-tirade-after-losing-at-mtv-europe-music-awards|title=Kanye West Unleashes Tirade After Losing at MTV Europe Music Awards|publisher=Fox News |date=November 3, 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023223440/https://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,227304,00.html|archive-date=October 23, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.mtv.co.uk/channel/mtvuk/news/02112006/emas_shocker_kanye_stage_invasion|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070603120826/https://www.mtv.co.uk/channel/mtvuk/news/02112006/emas_shocker_kanye_stage_invasion|archive-date=June 3, 2007|title=EMAs Shocker: Kanye Stage Invasion!|access-date=June 7, 2007|publisher=MTV}}</ref> Hundreds of news outlets worldwide criticized the outburst. On November 7, 2006, West apologized for this outburst publicly during his performance as support act for ] for their Vertigo concert in ].<ref>{{cite news|access-date=April 24, 2008|url=https://www.foxnews.com/wires/2006Nov03/0,4670,MTVAwardsKanye,00.html|title=Kanye West Upset at MTV Video Award Loss|publisher=Fox News|first=Jan M.|last=Olsen|date=November 3, 2006|archive-date=May 10, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080510113205/https://www.foxnews.com/wires/2006Nov03/0,4670,MTVAwardsKanye,00.html|url-status=live}}</ref> He later spoofed the incident on the 33rd-season premiere of ''Saturday Night Live'' in September 2007.<ref name="snlarchives">{{cite web|url=https://snlarchives.net/Episodes/?2007092913|title=SNL Archives {{!}} Episodes {{!}} September 29, 2007 #13|work=SNL Archives|last=Navaroli|first=Joel|date=September 29, 2007|access-date=January 10, 2015|archive-date=March 17, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150317152741/https://snlarchives.net/Episodes/?2007092913|url-status=live}}</ref>
] in August 2006.]]
On August 5, 2006, West headlined the second day of the ] music festival in his hometown of ]. Later that month, '']'' magazine reported that West became engaged to his girlfriend Alexis while spending two weeks overseas with her.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.people.com/people/article/0,26334,1225576,00.html|title=Kanye West Engaged to Girlfriend Alexis|accessdate=2007-06-07|work=]}}</ref>


=== 2007–2009: ''Graduation'', ''808s & Heartbreak'', and VMAs incident ===
On November 2, 2006, when "]" failed to win Best Video at the MTV Europe Music Awards, West went onto the stage as the award was being presented to ] and ] for "We Are Your Friends" and argued that he should have won the award instead.<ref>{{cite web|accessdate=2008-04-24|url=http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,227304,00.html|title=Kanye West Unleashes Tirade After Losing at MTV Europe Music Awards|publisher=]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.co.uk/channel/mtvuk/news/02112006/emas_shocker_kanye_stage_invasion|title=EMAs Shocker: Kanye Stage Invasion!|accessdate=2007-06-07|publisher=MTV}}</ref> Hundreds of news outlets worldwide criticized the outburst. On November 7, 2006, West apologized for this outburst publicly during his performance as support act for ] for their Vertigo concert in ], Australia.<ref>{{cite web|accessdate=2008-04-24|url=http://www.foxnews.com/wires/2006Nov03/0,4670,MTVAwardsKanye,00.html|title=Kanye West Upset at MTV Video Award Loss |publisher=] }}</ref> He later spoofed the incident in the season premiere of '']'''s 33rd season (hosted by basketball player ]) in a sketch where West appears on BET's ''106th and Park St.'' and shows several instances of West at award shows (and backstage at SNL's Studio 8H) ranting about how he should have won (or in the case of the SNL incident, how he should have been chosen to host the episode).
{{Main|Graduation (album)|808s & Heartbreak|Kanye West MTV Video Music Awards controversy}}


West's third studio album, '']'', garnered major publicity when its release date pitted West in a sales competition against rapper ]'s '']''.<ref name="Reid">Reid, Shaheem. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101123192400/https://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1569778/20070914/50_cent.jhtml |date=November 23, 2010 }}. MTV. Viacom. Retrieved December 24, 2009.</ref> Upon their September 2007 releases, ''Graduation'' outsold ''Curtis'' by a large margin, debuting at number one on the U.S. ''Billboard'' 200 chart and selling 957,000 copies in its first week.<ref name=firstday>{{cite magazine|author=Mayfield, Geoff|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1049350/kanye-well-ahead-of-50-cent-in-first-day-sales-race|title=Kanye Well Ahead of 50 Cent in First-Day Sales Race|magazine=Billboard|date=September 12, 2007|access-date=September 12, 2007|archive-date=July 4, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130704222314/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1049350/kanye-well-ahead-of-50-cent-in-first-day-sales-race|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Graduation'' continued the string of critical and commercial successes by West, and the album's lead single, "]", garnered his third number-one hit.<ref>{{cite magazine|author=Cohen, Jonathan|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1049151/kanye-caps-banner-week-with-hot-100-chart-topper|title=Kanye Caps Banner Week With Hot 100 Chart-Topper|magazine=Billboard|date=September 20, 2007|access-date=September 28, 2007|archive-date=June 28, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130628050924/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1049151/kanye-caps-banner-week-with-hot-100-chart-topper|url-status=live}}</ref> "Stronger", which samples French house duo ], has been accredited to not only encouraging other hip-hop artists to incorporate ] and ] elements into their music, but also for playing a part in the revival of ] and ]-infused music in the late 2000s.<ref>{{cite magazine|author=Frere-Jones, Sasha|title=Dance Revolution|url=https://www.newyorker.com/arts/critics/notebook/2009/03/30/090330gonb_GOAT_notebook_frerejones|magazine=]|date=March 30, 2009|access-date=April 16, 2009|author-link=Sasha Frere-Jones|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090326014159/https://www.newyorker.com/arts/critics/notebook/2009/03/30/090330gonb_GOAT_notebook_frerejones|archive-date=March 26, 2009}}</ref> His mother's death in November 2007<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/7090287.stm|title=Entertainment &#124; Kanye's mother dies after surgery|publisher=BBC News|date=November 12, 2007|access-date=September 2, 2013|archive-date=September 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210927113810/https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/7090287.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> and the end of his engagement to Alexis Phifer<ref>{{cite web|last=McGee|first=Tiffany|title=Kanye West's Fiancée 'Sad' Over Breakup|url=https://people.com/celebrity/kanye-wests-fiance-sad-over-breakup/|work=]|access-date=November 23, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081207093204/https://www.people.com/people/article/0%2C%2C20193726%2C00.html?xid=rss-topheadlines|archive-date=December 7, 2008|url-status=live}}</ref> profoundly affected West, who set off for his 2008 ] shortly thereafter.<ref>{{cite web|last=Thorogood|first=Tom|title=Kanye West Opens Up His Heart|url=https://www.mtv.co.uk/channel/mtvuk/news/460118-kanye-west-opens-his-heart|publisher=]. ]|access-date=November 24, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081217114954/https://www.mtv.co.uk/channel/mtvuk/news/460118-kanye-west-opens-his-heart|archive-date=December 17, 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref>
In December 2006, ] sued West for ] in West's video for "Touch the Sky." Knievel took issue with a "sexually-charged video" in which West takes on the persona of "Evel Kanyevel" and attempts flying a rocket over a canyon. The suit filed in federal court claims infringement on his trademarked name and likeness. Knievel also claims the "vulgar and offensive" images depicted in the video damage his reputation. The suit seeks ] and to stop distribution of the video.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thesmokinggun.com/archive/1212061evel1.html|title=Evel Knievel Sues Kanye West|accessdate=2007-06-07|publisher=]}}</ref> Knievel eventually settled the suit in November 2007, just days before his death.


]
===''Graduation'' (2007)===
Recorded mostly in ] in three weeks,<ref name="TheFader">{{cite magazine|last=Macia|first=Peter|title=FADER 58: Kanye West Cover Story and Interview|magazine=]|url=https://www.thefader.com/features/2008/11/25/fader-58-kanye-west-cover-story-and-interview|access-date=November 25, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081202233800/https://www.thefader.com/features/2008/11/25/fader-58-kanye-west-cover-story-and-interview|archive-date=December 2, 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref> West announced his fourth album, '']'', at the ], where he performed its lead single, "]". Music audiences were taken aback by the uncharacteristic production style and the presence of Auto-Tune, which typified the pre-release response to the record.<ref name=Observer>{{cite news|title=Urban Review: Kanye West, ''808s and Heartbreak''|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2008/nov/09/kanye-west-hip-hop-808s-heartbreak|work=]|date=November 9, 2008|access-date=November 24, 2008|location=London|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081201103614/https://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2008/nov/09/kanye-west-hip-hop-808s-heartbreak|archive-date=December 1, 2008|url-status=live}}</ref> ''808s & Heartbreak'' was released by ] in November 2008.<ref name=Question>{{cite web|last=Reid|first=Shaheem|title=Kanye West Inspires The Question: Should Rappers Sing?|url=https://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1599993/20081121/west_kanye.jhtml|publisher=MTV. ]|access-date=November 24, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081204032313/https://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1599993/20081121/west_kanye.jhtml|archive-date=December 4, 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="Sales">{{cite web|author=Montgomery, James|title=New Albums From Kanye West, Ludacris, Killers To Get Rare Monday Release on November 24|url=https://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1598986/20081110/west_kanye.jhtml|date=November 10, 2008|publisher=MTV|access-date=August 12, 2008|archive-date=November 3, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121103181659/https://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1598986/new-lps-from-ludacris-kanye-west-killers-get-monday-release-date.jhtml|url-status=dead}}</ref> Upon its release, the lead single "]" debuted at number three on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100,<ref>{{cite magazine|date=July 2, 2009|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1043977/ti-back-atop-hot-100-kanye-debuts-high|title=T.I. Back Atop Hot 100, Kanye Debuts High|magazine=]|access-date=July 11, 2012|archive-date=May 2, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130502013852/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1043977/ti-back-atop-hot-100-kanye-debuts-high|url-status=live}}</ref> while follow-up single "]" debuted at number four.<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090505231714/https://www.billboard.com/bbcom/esearch/searchResult.jsp?exp=y&Ne=4&inert=25&Ntt=Heartless+Kanye+West&Ntk=Keyword&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&nor=10&an=bbcom&Ns=FORMATTED_DATE%7C0&N=37+4294126188#pos25 |date=May 5, 2009 }}. ''Billboard''. Retrieved April 20, 2009.</ref> While it was criticized prior to release, ''808s & Heartbreak'' is considered to have had a significant effect on hip-hop music, encouraging other rappers to take more creative risks with their productions.<ref>{{cite web|last=Carmichael|first=Emma|url=https://www.theawl.com/2011/09/kanye%E2%80%99s-808s-how-a-machine-brought-heartbreak-to-hip-hop|title=Kanye's '808s': How A Machine Brought Heartbreak To Hip Hop|publisher=]|date=September 21, 2011|access-date=March 13, 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111229125050/https://www.theawl.com/2011/09/kanye%E2%80%99s-808s-how-a-machine-brought-heartbreak-to-hip-hop|archive-date=December 29, 2011}}</ref>
]
In 2007, it was announced that West would be starring in a series directed by ]. He has been working on the pilot episode for the past two years with Larry Charles and ]. He also had this to say on January 14:
"I wouldn't do something as cliché as a reality show. At least give me the credit for being more creative than that. It's a situational half-hour comedy. It's fictional, and loosely based on my life.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kanyelive.com/news/31.html|title=Update On Kanye's TV Show|accessdate=2007-06-07|publisher=kanYe Talk}}</ref> " West also collaborated with Japanese hip-hop group ] to produce the single "]," a reference to ] 1994 single "]". Further to this, during a radio appearance in early 2007, West, like many of his peers, recorded an impromptu freestyle to the popular song "Throw Some D's." West's version became extremely popular because of the different stance he took. The song that to all other rappers was about automobile rims, was used by West to comically refer to D-cup breasts. Because of the unexpected success of the song, West went on to make a video for the freestyle, in which he is seen playing his 'Old Ass Cousin'.<ref>{{cite web|accessdate=2008-04-24|url=http://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2007/05/29/kanye-west-loves-rolling-stone-sort-of/|title=Kanye West Loves Rolling Stone. Sort of. |work=] }}</ref>


While ] was accepting her award for Best Female Video at the ], West went on stage and grabbed the microphone from her to proclaim that ] deserved the award instead. He was subsequently removed from the remainder of the show for his actions.<ref name="Cnn.com">{{cite news|first=Lisa|last=Respers|title=Anger over West's disruption at MTV awards|date=September 14, 2009|access-date=September 15, 2009|website=]|url=https://www.cnn.com/2009/SHOWBIZ/09/14/kanye.west.reaction/index.html|archive-date=October 17, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181017080013/https://www.cnn.com/2009/SHOWBIZ/09/14/kanye.west.reaction/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="rollingstone.com">{{cite magazine|title=Kanye West Storms the VMAs Stage During Taylor Swift's Speech|date=September 13, 2009|magazine=Rolling Stone|access-date=September 13, 2009|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/kanye-west-storms-the-vmas-stage-during-taylor-swifts-speech-20090913?rand=84857|archive-date=January 19, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130119133749/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/kanye-west-storms-the-vmas-stage-during-taylor-swifts-speech-20090913?rand=84857|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|last=Vozick|first=Simon|url=https://music-mix.ew.com/2009/09/13/kanye-west-taylor-swift/|title=Kanye West interrupts Taylor Swift's VMAs moment: What was he thinking? by Simon Vozick-Levinson|magazine=]|date=September 13, 2009|access-date=September 5, 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101118015021/https://music-mix.ew.com/2009/09/13/kanye-west-taylor-swift/|archive-date=November 18, 2010}}</ref> West was criticized by various celebrities for the outburst,<ref name="Cnn.com"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mtv.com/ontv/vma/2009/best-female-video/|title=2009 MTV Video Music Awards—Best Female Video|publisher=MTV|access-date=September 15, 2009|archive-date=March 3, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100303052537/https://www.mtv.com/ontv/vma/2009/best-female-video/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="latfallout">{{cite news|url=https://latimes.com/entertainment/news/music/la-et-kanye-fallout15-2009sep15,0,4346169.story|title=Kanye West expresses Swift regret on blog and 'The Jay Leno Show'|date=September 15, 2009|work=]|access-date=September 15, 2009|first1=Todd|last1=Martens|first2=Yvonne|last2=Villarreal|archive-date=September 23, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090923114807/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/music/la-et-kanye-fallout15-2009sep15,0,4346169.story|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="MTV">{{cite web|title=Adam Lambert, Donald Trump, Joe Jackson Slam Kanye West's VMA Stunt|website=]|date=September 13, 2009|access-date=September 13, 2009|url=https://www.mtv.com/news/1621475/adam-lambert-donald-trump-joe-jackson-slam-kanye-wests-vma-stunt/|archive-date=February 7, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100207040009/https://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1621475/.../swift__taylor.jhtml|url-status=dead}}</ref> and by President ], who called West a "jackass".<ref name="BBCquote">{{cite news|title=Obama calls Kanye West a jackass|publisher=BBC News|date=September 16, 2009|access-date=September 16, 2009|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/8258330.stm|archive-date=September 3, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180903115121/https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/8258330.stm|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="politico.com">{{cite web|first=Patrick|last=Gavin|title=Obama calls Kanye 'jackass'|publisher=]|date=September 15, 2009|access-date=September 15, 2009|url=https://www.politico.com/click/stories/0909/did_obama_call_kanye_a_jackass.html|archive-date=February 9, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100209044435/https://www.politico.com/click/stories/0909/did_obama_call_kanye_a_jackass.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="people.com">{{cite web|title=Audio: President Obama Calls Kanye West a 'Jackass'|date=September 15, 2009|access-date=September 16, 2009|work=]|url=https://www.people.com/package/article/0,,20302940_20304704,00.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20121205110150/https://www.people.com/package/article/0,,20302940_20304704,00.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 5, 2012}}</ref><ref name="www.foxnews.com">{{cite news|title=Obama Calls Kanye West a 'Jackass'|date=September 15, 2009|access-date=September 16, 2009|publisher=]|url=https://www.foxnews.com/politics/obama-calls-kanye-west-a-jackass/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090916180832/https://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/09/15/obama-calls-kanye-west-jackass/|archive-date=September 16, 2009|url-status=live}}</ref> The incident sparked a large influx of ]s.<ref>{{cite web|access-date=October 3, 2009|url=https://newsroom.mtv.com/2009/09/16/kanye-wests-vma-interruption-photos/|title=Kanye West's VMA Interruption Gives Birth To Internet Photo Meme|website=]|date=September 16, 2009|author=Anderson, Kyle|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091001234936/https://newsroom.mtv.com/2009/09/16/kanye-wests-vma-interruption-photos|archive-date=October 1, 2009}}</ref> West subsequently apologized,<ref name=latfallout /><ref>{{cite news|url=https://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/music/article6833664.ece|date=September 14, 2009|title=Kanye West spoils the show at MTV awards|last=Booth|first=Jenny|work=]|access-date=September 14, 2009|archive-date=June 15, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110615184732/https://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/music/article6833664.ece|url-status=dead}}</ref> including personally to Swift.<ref name="MTV.com">{{cite web|first=Jocelyn|last=Vena|title=Taylor Swift Tells 'The View' Kanye West Hasn't Contacted Her. The country star discusses her reaction to the VMA incident.|date=September 15, 2009|website=]|access-date=September 15, 2009|url=https://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1621550/2009915/swift__taylor.jhtml|archive-date=March 28, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100328130534/https://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1621550/2009915/swift__taylor.jhtml|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="MSNBC">{{cite web|title=Kanye calls Taylor Swift after 'View' appearance|work=Today|date=September 15, 2009|access-date=September 16, 2009|url=https://www.today.com/id/32861800|archive-date=October 6, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131006213404/https://www.today.com/id/32861800|url-status=live}}</ref> However, in a November 2010 interview, he seemed to recant his past apologies, describing the act at the 2009 awards show as "selfless".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://radaronline.com/exclusives/2010/11/video-kanye-west-backtracks-taylor-swift-apology/|title=VIDEO: Kanye West Backtracks On Taylor Swift Apology &#124; Radar Online|date=November 8, 2010|access-date=July 27, 2019|archive-date=March 31, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190331091030/https://radaronline.com/exclusives/2010/11/video-kanye-west-backtracks-taylor-swift-apology/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Kanye West Backtracks on Taylor Swift Apology|url=https://dimewars.com/Blog/ViewBlogArticle.aspx?vn=Kanye+West+Backtracks+On+Taylor+Swift+Apology&BlogID=487b238f-9fac-4228-b9ba-7c29bdfe8528|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110814162021/https://dimewars.com/Blog/ViewBlogArticle.aspx?vn=Kanye%2BWest%2BBacktracks%2BOn%2BTaylor%2BSwift%2BApology&BlogID=487b238f-9fac-4228-b9ba-7c29bdfe8528|archive-date=August 14, 2011}}</ref>
West was also featured in a new song called "Classic (Better Than I've Ever Been)". It was believed to be a single for, '']'', because he is featured on the track, but ] quickly explained that it was for the Nike ] anniversary. It was meant only to be an exclusive track for the company.<ref>{{cite web|accessdate=2008-04-24|url=http://soundslam.com/articles/news/news.php?news=070215_af1ann|title=Nas, KRS-1, Kanye & Rakim Lend Verses In Honor Of Nike Air Force 1 |publisher=Sound Slam }}</ref>


=== 2010–2012: ''My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy'', ''Watch the Throne'', and ''Cruel Summer'' ===
On March 25, 2007, he and his father Ray West supported ] by having a "Walk for Water" rally.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kanyelive.com/news/74.html|title=Kanye and Ray West Walk For Water|accessdate=2007-06-07|publisher=kanYe Talk}}</ref> After a two-year break, West has returned to being a fashion columnist in lifestyle magazine '']''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kanyelive.com/kanye-west-fashion-columnist-76.html|title=Kanye West&nbsp;— Fashion Columnist|accessdate=2009-03-19|publisher=kanYe Live}}</ref> On July 7, 2007 West performed with ] and ] at the ] of ].<ref>{{cite web|accessdate=2008-04-26|url=http://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2007/07/08/police-pumpkins-psas-live-earth-new-york-onstage-and-backstage/|title=Police, Pumpkins, PSAs: Live Earth New York, Onstage and Backstage |work=]|date=2007-07-08 }}</ref> West hosted the August 17 edition of British ]-] ].<ref>{{cite web|accessdate=2008-04-24|url=http://press.channel4.com/listings/live/C4/live/2007_33/index.htm|title=LISTINGS INFORMATION : WEEK 33|publisher=]}}</ref> In May 2007, West split from long-time model girlfriend Alexis Rainey.<ref>{{cite web|accessdate=2008-04-24|url=http://hiphop.popcrunch.com/kanye-west-calls-off-engagement-with-alexis-rainey/|title=Kanye West Calls Off Engagement With Alexis Rainey|publisher=Hip-Hop Crunch}}</ref>
{{Main|My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy|Watch the Throne|Cruel Summer (GOOD Music album)}}


Following the highly publicized incident, West took a brief break from music and threw himself into fashion, only to hole up in Hawaii for the next few months writing and recording his next album.<ref name="Bever" /> Importing his favorite producers and artists to work on and inspire his recording, West kept engineers behind the boards 24 hours a day and slept only in increments. Noah Callahan-Bever, a writer for '']'', was present during the sessions and described the "communal" atmosphere as thus: "With the right songs and the right album, he can overcome any and all controversy, and we are here to contribute, challenge, and inspire."<ref name="Bever">{{cite web|first=Noah|last=Callahan-Bever|date=November 2010|url=https://www.complex.com/CELEBRITIES/Cover-Story/kanye-west-project-runaway|title=Kanye West: Project Runaway|website=]|accessdate=November 30, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101228123251/https://www.complex.com/CELEBRITIES/Cover-Story/kanye-west-project-runaway |archive-date=December 28, 2010 }}</ref> A variety of artists contributed to the project, including close friends Jay-Z, Kid Cudi and ], as well as collaborations with artists including ] of ] and ].<ref>Hermes, Will (October 25, 2010). . ''Rolling Stone''. Retrieved May 2, 2011.</ref>
In July 2007, West changed the release date of '']'', his third album, from September 18, 2007, to the same release date as ] album '']'', September 11, 2007.<ref>{{cite web|accessdate=2008-04-24|url=http://www.defsounds.com/news/view/2106-kanye-competes-with-5-album-pushed-back-to-september-11th.html|title=Kanye Competes With 50, Album Pushed Back To September 11|publisher=Def Sounds}}</ref> 50 Cent later claimed that if ''Graduation'' were to sell more records than ''Curtis,'' he would stop releasing solo albums.<ref name="retire">{{cite web|accessdate=2008-04-24|url=http://www.defsounds.com/news/view/2260-5-cent-outsell-kanye-or-stop-trying.html|title=50 Cent: Outsell Kanye Or Stop Trying|publisher=Def Sounds}}</ref> However, 50 Cent would later dispel his comments.<ref>{{cite web|accessdate=2008-04-24|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1567100/20070814/50_cent.jhtml|title=50 Cent Explains Last Week's Blowup, Says 'I Will Be #1 On September 11'|publisher=]}}</ref> The album has been certified double platinum. Guest appearances included ], ], & ].<ref>{{cite web|accessdate=2008-04-24|url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.5721/title.kanye-west-massacres-50-cent-in-sales-race|title=Kanye West Massacres 50 Cent In Sales Race!!!! |publisher=Hip Hop DX }}</ref>
] Festival in Brazil in 2011]]


'']'', West's fifth studio album, was released in November 2010 to widespread acclaim from critics, many of whom considered it his best work and said it solidified his comeback.<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Fastenberg|first=Dan|date=December 9, 2010|url=https://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,2035319_2035313_2035394,00.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101212233453/https://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,2035319_2035313_2035394,00.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 12, 2010|title=Kanye's Beautiful, Dark Twittered Fantasy—The Top 10 Everything of 2010|magazine=]|location=New York|access-date=September 18, 2012}}</ref> In stark contrast to his previous effort, which featured a minimalist sound, ''Dark Fantasy'' adopts a maximalist philosophy and deals with themes of celebrity and excess.<ref name="Sheffield" /> The record included the international hit "]", and ''Billboard'' hits "]", "]", and "]",<ref name="Hot100">. '']''. Retrieved November 30, 2010.</ref> the latter of which accompanied a ] directed by and starring West.<ref name="BillboardPremiere">{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/the-juice/954875/kanye-west-premieres-35-minute-long-runaway-video-in-london|title=Kanye West Premieres 35-Minute-Long 'Runaway' Video in London|date=October 7, 2010|first=Mariel|last=Concepcion|magazine=], Inc|access-date=January 16, 2018|archive-date=July 13, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140713200936/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/the-juice/954875/kanye-west-premieres-35-minute-long-runaway-video-in-london|url-status=live}}</ref> During this time, West initiated the free music program ] through his website, offering a free download of previously unreleased songs each Friday, a portion of which were included on the album. This promotion ran from August to December 2010.<ref>{{cite web|last=Reiff|first=Corbin|url=https://www.avclub.com/cataloging-g-o-o-d-fridays-kanye-west-s-beautiful-dar-1798286945|title=Cataloging G.O.O.D. Fridays: Kanye West's beautiful dark twisted promotional campaign|work=]|date=November 22, 2015|accessdate=December 28, 2022|archive-date=December 28, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221228084021/https://www.avclub.com/cataloging-g-o-o-d-fridays-kanye-west-s-beautiful-dar-1798286945|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Dark Fantasy'' went on to go platinum in the United States,<ref name="RIAA">{{cite web|url=https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&ar=KANYE+WEST&ti=MY+BEAUTIFUL+DARK+TWISTED+FANTASY|title=Searchable Database|publisher=] (RIAA)|at=Search: Kanye West|access-date=February 18, 2012|archive-date=August 19, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200819013927/https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&ar=KANYE+WEST&ti=MY+BEAUTIFUL+DARK+TWISTED+FANTASY|url-status=live}}</ref> but its omission as a contender for ] at the ] was viewed as a "snub" by several media outlets.<ref>{{cite web|last=Abebe|first=Nitsuh|url=https://nymag.com/daily/entertainment/2011/12/grammy-nominations-breakdown.html|title=Explaining the Kanye Snub, and Other Thoughts on the Grammy Nominations|work=New York|date=December 1, 2011|access-date=January 31, 2012|archive-date=January 22, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120122085427/https://nymag.com/daily/entertainment/2011/12/grammy-nominations-breakdown.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
{{cquote|When I heard that thing about the debate, I thought that was the stupidest thing. When my albums drops and 50's album drops, you're gonna get a lot of good music at the same time.<ref>{{cite web|accessdate=2008-04-24|url=http://www.ballerstatus.com/article/news/2007/08/2936/|title=Kanye West Declines Debate With 50 Cent, Calls It 'Stupid'|publisher=Baller Status}}</ref>}}


2011 saw West embark on a festival tour to commemorate the release of ''My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy'' performing and headlining numerous festivals including; ], ], ], ], ],
On August 26, 2007, West appeared as himself on the ] television show '']'' which he used as a platform to premier his new single "]" during the end credits. In September 2007, West suggested that his race had to do with his being overlooked for opening the ] in favor of ]; he claimed, "Maybe my skin’s not right."<ref>{{cite web|accessdate=2008-04-24|url=http://www.britneyspy.com/2007/09/09/kanye-west-jealous-of-britney-opening-the-vmas/|title=Kanye West Jealous Of Britney Opening The VMAs|publisher=Britney Spy}}</ref> On September 9, 2007, West performed at the ]. On that night, he lost all 5 awards that he was nominated for, including Best Male Artist and Video of the Year. After the show, he was visibly upset that he had lost at the VMA's 2 years in a row, stating that he would not come back to MTV ever again. He also appeared on several radio stations saying that when he made the song "]" that it was his dream to open the VMA's with it. He has also stated that Britney Spears hasn't had a hit in a long period of time and that MTV exploited her for ratings.<ref>{{cite web|accessdate=2008-04-24|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1569313/20070910/west_kanye.jhtml|title=Kanye West Loses It Again, Says He'll 'Never Return To MTV': Report|publisher=]}}</ref>
], ], ] and ] which was described by '']'' as "one of greatest hip-hop sets of all time",<ref>{{cite news|last=Miller|first=Jeff|url=https://hollywoodreporter.com/news/kanye-west-delivers-one-greatest-179408|title=Kanye West Delivers One of Greatest Hip-Hop Sets of All Time at Coachella|work=]|date=April 18, 2011|access-date=July 1, 2013|archive-date=February 27, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130227030143/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/kanye-west-delivers-one-greatest-179408|url-status=live}}</ref> West released the collaborative album '']'' with Jay-Z in August 2011. By employing a sales strategy that released the album digitally weeks before its physical counterpart, ''Watch the Throne'' became one of the few major label albums in the ] to avoid a ].<ref>{{cite web|last=Gissen|first=Jesse|url=https://www.xxlmag.com/news/2011/08/jay-z-kanye-west-miraculously-manage-to-keep-watch-the-throne-leak-free/|title=Jay-Z & Kanye West Miraculously Manage to Keep Watch the Throne Leak-Free|work=]|publisher=Harris Publications|date=August 8, 2011|access-date=August 12, 2011|archive-date=August 16, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110816204001/https://www.xxlmag.com/news/2011/08/jay-z-kanye-west-miraculously-manage-to-keep-watch-the-throne-leak-free/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|last=Perpetua|first=Matthew|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/jay-z-and-kanye-west-avoid-watch-the-throne-leak-20110808|title=Jay-Z and Kanye West Avoid 'Watch the Throne' Leak|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=August 8, 2011|access-date=August 12, 2011|archive-date=September 19, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110919061629/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/jay-z-and-kanye-west-avoid-watch-the-throne-leak-20110808|url-status=dead}}</ref> "]" became the record's highest-charting single, peaking at number five on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100.<ref name="Hot100" /> The co-headlining ] kicked off in October 2011 and concluded in June 2012.<ref>{{cite magazine|last1=Doherty|first1=Maggie|title=Jay-Z & Kanye West Tease 'Watch The Throne' Tour Set List: Watch|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/the-juice/465433/jay-z-kanye-west-tease-watch-the-throne-tour-set-list-watch|magazine=]|access-date=January 16, 2018|date=October 28, 2011|archive-date=May 10, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180510051151/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/the-juice/465433/jay-z-kanye-west-tease-watch-the-throne-tour-set-list-watch|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2012, West released the ] '']'', a collection of tracks by artists from West's record label GOOD Music.


=== 2013–2015: ''Yeezus'' and the ''Yeezus Tour'' ===
Following the MTV stint, West was nominated in 8 Grammy Award categories for the ].<ref>{{cite web|accessdate=2008-04-24|url=http://www.forbes.com/businesswire/feeds/businesswire/2008/02/08/businesswire20080208005461r1.html|title=Leading Nominees Kanye West and Amy Winehouse Added as Performers for 50th Annual GRAMMY(R) Awards |work=]}}</ref> He won four of them,<ref name="2005 grammy">{{cite web|accessdate=2008-04-24|url=http://www.grammy.com/GRAMMY_Awards/50th_show/list.aspx|title=50th Annual Grammy Awards Winners List|publisher=]}}</ref> including Best Rap Album for '']'' and Best Rap Solo Performance for ] from ''Graduation''. During the four-hour televised Grammy Awards ceremony, West also performed two songs: "Stronger" (with ]) and "Hey Mama" (in honor of his recently deceased mother).<ref>{{cite news|accessdate=2008-04-24|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/11/arts/music/11gram.html?ex=1360472400%20&%20ei=5088%20&%20en=17d2597cd353b41c%20&%20partner=rssnyt%20&%20emc=rss&pagewanted=all|title=Amy Winehouse Wins Big at Grammy Awards |work=] }}</ref>
{{Main|Yeezus|The Yeezus Tour}}


Sessions for West's sixth solo effort begin to take shape in early 2013 in his own personal loft's living room at a Paris hotel.<ref name="NewYorkTimes">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/16/arts/music/kanye-west-talks-about-his-career-and-album-yeezus.html?pagewanted=all|title=Behind Kanye's Mask|work=]|date=June 11, 2013|access-date=June 13, 2013|author=Caramanica, Jon|archive-date=June 12, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130612162353/https://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/16/arts/music/kanye-west-talks-about-his-career-and-album-yeezus.html?pagewanted=all|url-status=live}}</ref> Determined to "undermine the commercial",<ref name="sessions">{{cite web|url=https://pitchfork.com/features/articles/9157-the-yeezus-sessions/|title=The ''Yeezus'' Sessions|work=]|date=June 24, 2013|access-date=June 26, 2013|author=Dombal, Ryan|archive-date=June 26, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130626203159/https://pitchfork.com/features/articles/9157-the-yeezus-sessions/|url-status=dead}}</ref> he once again brought together close collaborators and attempted to incorporate Chicago ], ], ], and ].<ref name="chicagotribune">{{cite news|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/music/turnitup/chi-kanye-west-yeezus-review-20130616,0,6122329.column|title=Kanye West's 'Yeezus' an uneasy listen|work=]|date=June 16, 2013|access-date=June 17, 2013|author=Kot, Greg|archive-date=June 16, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130616222316/https://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/music/turnitup/chi-kanye-west-yeezus-review-20130616,0,6122329.column|url-status=live}}</ref> Primarily inspired by architecture,<ref name="NewYorkTimes" /> West's perfectionist tendencies led him to contact producer ] fifteen days shy of its due date to strip down the record's sound in favor of a more minimalist approach.<ref name="Rstonerubin">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/rick-rubin-finishing-kanye-wests-yeezus-seemed-impossible-20130627|title=Rick Rubin: Finishing Kanye West's ''Yeezus'' Seemed Impossible|magazine=]|date=June 27, 2013|access-date=June 27, 2013|author=Blistein, Jon|archive-date=June 30, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130630092456/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/rick-rubin-finishing-kanye-wests-yeezus-seemed-impossible-20130627|url-status=dead}}</ref> Initial promotion of his sixth album included worldwide video projections of the album's music and live television performances.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://pitchfork.com/news/50579-watch-kanye-west-projects-new-video-new-slaves-on-buildings-around-the-world/|title=Watch: Kanye West Projects New Video "New Slaves" on Buildings Around the World|work=]|date=May 17, 2013|access-date=June 6, 2018|author=Battan, Carrie|archive-date=June 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612143650/https://pitchfork.com/news/50579-watch-kanye-west-projects-new-video-new-slaves-on-buildings-around-the-world/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=snl>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/videos/kanye-west-unleashes-the-fury-of-black-skinhead-on-snl-20130519|title=Kanye West Unleashes the Fury of 'Black Skinhead' on 'SNL'|magazine=Rolling Stone|location=New York|date=May 19, 2013|access-date=May 20, 2013|author=Coleman, Miriam|archive-date=June 5, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130605083844/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/videos/kanye-west-unleashes-the-fury-of-black-skinhead-on-snl-20130519|url-status=dead}}</ref> '']'', West's sixth album, was released June 18, 2013, to rave reviews from critics.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://au.ibtimes.com/articles/480410/20130619/kanye-west-yeezus-kim-kardashian.htm|access-date=June 22, 2013|last=Torrente|first=Ria Kristina|date=June 19, 2013|title=Kanye West's Yeezus Gets Rave Reviews|newspaper=]|location=New York|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130925064429/https://au.ibtimes.com/articles/480410/20130619/kanye-west-yeezus-kim-kardashian.htm|archive-date=September 25, 2013}}</ref> It became his sixth consecutive number one debut, but also marked his lowest solo opening week sales.<ref name="billboard123">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1568153/official-kanye-wests-yeezus-sells-327000-debuts-at-no-1-on-billboard-200-chart|title=Official: Kanye West's 'Yeezus' Sells 327,000; Debuts at No. 1 on Billboard 200 Chart|magazine=]|date=June 25, 2013|access-date=June 29, 2013|archive-date=June 29, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130629000131/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1568153/official-kanye-wests-yeezus-sells-327000-debuts-at-no-1-on-billboard-200-chart|url-status=live}}</ref>
===Glow in the Dark Tour and ''808s & Heartbreak'' (2008–present)===
] in 2013]]
] in Chicago]]]
Kanye West and designer Alexis Phifer ended their 18-month engagement in 2008. The couple had been dating on and off since 2002, with Kanye eventually proposing in August 2006. According to a friend, the couple's relationship had been straining, significantly influenced by the sheer amount of time and attention West was dedicating to his current concert tour. "It's always sad when things like this end, and we remain friends," Phifer told '']''.<ref>{{cite web|accessdate=2008-04-24|url=http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/sfgate/detail?blogid=7&entry_id=24871|title=West and Phifer Already Husband and Wife? |work=] }}</ref>


In September 2013, West announced he would be headlining ], to support ''Yeezus'', with fellow American rapper ] accompanying him as a supporting act.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://pitchfork.com/news/52170-kanye-west-announces-tour-with-kendrick-lamar/|title=Kanye West Announces Tour With Kendrick Lamar|work=Pitchfork Media|date=September 6, 2013|access-date=June 9, 2014|archive-date=October 15, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141015155108/https://pitchfork.com/news/52170-kanye-west-announces-tour-with-kendrick-lamar/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.glidemagazine.com/39618/kanye-west-announces-fall-arena-tour-kendrick-lamar-opening/|title=Kanye West Announces Fall Arena Tour—Kendrick Lamar Opening|work=Glide Magazine|date=September 6, 2013|access-date=June 9, 2014|archive-date=October 10, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141010002939/https://www.glidemagazine.com/39618/kanye-west-announces-fall-arena-tour-kendrick-lamar-opening/|url-status=live}}</ref> The tour was met with rave reviews from critics.<ref name="rsyeezus">{{cite magazine|last1=Ringen|first1=Jonathan|title=11 Reasons Kanye West's 'Yeezus' Tour Is Actually Incredible|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/11-reasons-kanye-wests-yeezus-tour-is-actually-incredible-20131122|magazine=]|date=November 22, 2013|access-date=August 8, 2016|archive-date=August 19, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160819090854/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/11-reasons-kanye-wests-yeezus-tour-is-actually-incredible-20131122|url-status=dead}}</ref> ''Rolling Stone'' described it as "crazily entertaining, hugely ambitious, emotionally affecting (really!) and, most importantly, totally bonkers".<ref name="rsyeezus" /> Writing for ''Forbes'', Zack O'Malley Greenburg praised West for "taking risks that few pop stars, if any, are willing to take in today's hyper-exposed world of pop", describing the show as "overwrought and uncomfortable at times, but excels at challenging norms and provoking thought in a way that just isn't common for mainstream musical acts of late".<ref name="Greenburg">{{cite web|last1=Greenburg|first1=Zack O'Malley|title=Kanye West Makes His Own Artpop on Yeezus Tour|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/zackomalleygreenburg/2013/11/25/kanye-west-makes-his-own-artpop-on-yeezus-tour/#7ac1db4f18f2|website=]|access-date=July 25, 2016|archive-date=August 24, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160824110602/https://www.forbes.com/sites/zackomalleygreenburg/2013/11/25/kanye-west-makes-his-own-artpop-on-yeezus-tour/#7ac1db4f18f2|url-status=live}}</ref> West subsequently released a number of singles featuring ], including "]"<ref>{{cite magazine|last1=Young|first1=Alex|title=Kanye West premieres 'Only One' featuring Paul McCartney—listen|url=https://consequence.net/2014/12/kanye-west-premieres-only-one-featuring-paul-mccartney-listen/|magazine=Consequence of Sound|access-date=January 1, 2015|archive-date=April 23, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210423172637/https://consequence.net/2014/12/kanye-west-premieres-only-one-featuring-paul-mccartney-listen/|url-status=live}}</ref> and "]", also featuring ].<ref>{{cite web|last=Moore|first=Sam|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/paul-mccartney-kanye-west-songwriting-fourfiveseconds-rihanna-kim-kardashian-2341934|title=Paul McCartney on writing with Kanye West: "I was tootling around on guitar, and Kanye spent a lot of time looking at pictures of Kim"|work=]|date=June 21, 2018|accessdate=December 28, 2022|archive-date=December 28, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221228084516/https://www.nme.com/news/music/paul-mccartney-kanye-west-songwriting-fourfiveseconds-rihanna-kim-kardashian-2341934|url-status=live}}</ref>
On April 16, Kanye kicked off the ] in ] at the ]. The tour was originally scheduled to end in June in ] but was extended into August. Over the course of the tour Kanye was joined by a varying group of opening acts, including ], ], ], ], and ].


In November 2013, West stated that he was beginning work on his next studio album, hoping to release it by mid-2014,<ref>Jackson, Reed (November 25, 2013). {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181012215802/https://www.xxlmag.com/news/2013/11/kanye-west-hopes-new-album-summer/ |date=October 12, 2018 }}. ''XXL''.</ref> with production by Rick Rubin and ].<ref>{{cite web|last=Rys|first=Dan|url=https://www.xxlmag.com/news/2013/12/q-tip-will-produce-kanye-wests-next-album-rick-rubin/|title=Q-Tip Will Produce Kanye West's Next Album With Rick Rubin—XXL|publisher=Xxlmag.com|date=December 3, 2013|access-date=June 9, 2014|archive-date=May 27, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140527030656/https://www.xxlmag.com/news/2013/12/q-tip-will-produce-kanye-wests-next-album-rick-rubin/|url-status=live}}</ref> Having initially announced a new album entitled ''Yeezus II'' slated for a 2014 release, West announced in March 2015 that the album would instead be tentatively called ''So Help Me God''.<ref>{{cite magazine|last1=Peters|first1=Mitchell|title=Kanye West Announces Name Change of His New Album on Twitter|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/the-juice/6553812/kanye-west-announces-name-change-of-his-new-album-on-twitter-swish-so-help-me-god|access-date=May 31, 2015|magazine=Billboard|date=May 3, 2015|archive-date=June 7, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150607163951/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/the-juice/6553812/kanye-west-announces-name-change-of-his-new-album-on-twitter-swish-so-help-me-god?|url-status=live}}</ref> In May 2015, West was awarded an ] by the ] for his contributions to music, fashion, and popular culture.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2015/may/11/kanye-west-receives-honorary-doctorate-chicago|title=Kanye West receives honorary doctorate in Chicago|author=<!--Not stated-->|date=May 11, 2015|website=The Guardian|access-date=June 19, 2018|archive-date=June 23, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180623170101/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2015/may/11/kanye-west-receives-honorary-doctorate-chicago|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://pitchfork.com/news/59535-kanye-west-receives-honorary-doctorate-from-saic-listen/|title=Kanye West Receives Honorary Doctorate From SAIC: Listen|work=Pitchfork Media|date=May 11, 2015|access-date=May 12, 2015|archive-date=May 13, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150513205756/https://pitchfork.com/news/59535-kanye-west-receives-honorary-doctorate-from-saic-listen/|url-status=live}}</ref>{{efn|The school rescinded the honorary degree in late 2022 in light of West's public antisemitic statements.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 8, 2022 |title=Kanye West's honorary degree rescinded by School of the Art Institute of Chicago |url=https://abc7chicago.com/kanye-west-new-name-school-of-the-art-institute-chicago-ye-honorary-degree/12545134/ |access-date=December 8, 2022 |website=ABC7 Chicago |language=en |archive-date=December 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221208183749/https://abc7chicago.com/kanye-west-new-name-school-of-the-art-institute-chicago-ye-honorary-degree/12545134/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>}} The next month, West headlined at the ] in the UK, despite a petition signed by almost 135,000 people against his appearance.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Renshaw|first1=David|title=Kanye West Glastonbury petition crosses 100,000 signature mark|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/kanye-west-304-1224342|access-date=September 9, 2020|work=NME|date=March 22, 2015|archive-date=February 4, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210204092837/https://www.nme.com/news/music/kanye-west-304-1224342|url-status=live}}</ref> Another petition aimed to block West from headlining the ], garnering 50,000 supporters.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nme.com/news/kanye-west/86979 |title=NME News 50,000 people sign petition to stop Kanye West from playing Pan Am Games closing ceremony |work=NME |date=July 20, 2015 |access-date=July 21, 2015 |archive-date=July 21, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150721145307/https://www.nme.com/news/kanye-west/86979 |url-status=live }}</ref>
On June 15, Kanye was scheduled to perform a late night set at the ]. His performance started almost two hours late and ran for half of its alloted time, angering many fans in the audience. Kanye later wrote an outraged entry on his blog, blaming the festival organizers as well as ]'s preceding set, which ran longer than expected.


=== 2016–2017: ''The Life of Pablo'' and tour cancellation ===
On September 7, West debuted a new song "]" at the ]. "Love Lockdown" features no rapping and only singing using an ] device. This song appears on Kanye's fourth studio album, '']''. The new album was expected to be released on December 16, but West announced on his blog on September 24, 2008, that he had finished the album and would be releasing it sometime in November, earlier than previously scheduled. In early October, West made a surprise appearance at a ] concert in Los Angeles, where he stated that ''808s & Heartbreak'' was scheduled to be released on November 25, though it was actually released on the 24th, and that the second single is "]". The album was another number one album for Kanye, even though the first week numbers fell well short of ''Graduation'' with 450,145 sold.<ref>. ''HipHopDX.com''. Retrieved December 3, 2008.</ref>
{{Main|The Life of Pablo}}


West announced in January 2016 that ''Swish'' would be released on February 11, and later that month, released new songs "]" and a snippet of "]" with Kendrick Lamar. On January 26, 2016, West revealed he had renamed the album from ''Swish'' to ''Waves''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://pitchfork.com/news/63468-kanye-west-announces-new-album-title-shares-final-tracklist/|title=Kanye West Announces New Album Title, Shares Final Tracklist—Pitchfork|work=pitchfork.com|date=February 10, 2016|access-date=November 22, 2016|archive-date=June 29, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160629202953/https://pitchfork.com/news/63468-kanye-west-announces-new-album-title-shares-final-tracklist/|url-status=live}}</ref> In the weeks leading up to the album's release, West became embroiled in several ] controversies.<ref name="dailybeast">{{cite news|last1=Wilstein|first1=Dave|title=Kanye West Declares Bill Cosby 'Innocent'|url=https://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2016/02/09/kanye-west-bill-cosby-is-innocent.html|newspaper=]|date=February 10, 2016|access-date=April 2, 2016|archive-date=April 8, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160408133122/https://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2016/02/09/kanye-west-bill-cosby-is-innocent.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Several days ahead of its release, West again changed the title, this time to '']''.<ref>{{cite web|last=McHenry|first=Jackson|url=https://www.vulture.com/2016/02/kanye-shares-final-track-list-for-new-album.html|title=Kanye Shares the 'Final' Track List for His New Album, Which Is Now Called ''The Life of Pablo''|work=]|date=February 10, 2016|accessdate=December 28, 2022|archive-date=December 28, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221228085447/https://www.vulture.com/2016/02/kanye-shares-final-track-list-for-new-album.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Britton|first=Luke Morgan|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/wiz-khalifa-2-4-1200573|title=Wiz Khalifa opens up about Kanye West beef and reconciliation|work=]|date=March 23, 2016|accessdate=December 28, 2022|archive-date=December 28, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221228085444/https://www.nme.com/news/music/wiz-khalifa-2-4-1200573|url-status=live}}</ref> On February 11, West premiered the album at ] as part of the presentation of his Yeezy Season{{nbsp}}3 clothing line.<ref name="pitchfork.com">Phillips, Amy (February 11, 2016). {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160211182735/https://pitchfork.com/news/63472-kanye-west-new-album-the-life-of-pablo-debut-live-stream-watch-it-here/ |date=February 11, 2016 }}. Pitchfork. Retrieved February 11, 2016.</ref> Following the preview, West announced that he would be modifying the tracklist once more before its release to the public.<ref>West, Kanye (February 12, 2016). "The album is being mastered and will be out today{{nbsp}}... added on a couple of tracks{{nbsp}}...". Twitter. Retrieved February 16, 2016.</ref> He released the album exclusively on ] on February 14, 2016, following a performance on '']''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://pigeonsandplanes.com/2016/02/chance-the-rapper-annotated-ultralight-beam/|title=Chance The Rapper Annotated His Verse on Kanye West's "Ultralight Beam"|work=pigeonsandplanes.com|access-date=November 22, 2016|archive-date=June 23, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160623234529/https://pigeonsandplanes.com/2016/02/chance-the-rapper-annotated-ultralight-beam/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=Pitchfork>{{cite web|url=https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/21542-the-life-of-pablo/|title=Kanye West: The Life of Pablo|website=]|date=February 15, 2016|access-date=February 15, 2016|last=Greene|first=Jayson|archive-date=February 15, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160215235527/https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/21542-the-life-of-pablo/|url-status=live}}</ref> Following its release, West continued to tinker with mixes of several tracks, describing the work as "a living breathing changing creative expression"<ref name="fader">{{cite magazine|last1=Dandridge-Lemco|first1=Ben|title=Kanye West Is Updating "Wolves"|magazine=]|url=https://www.thefader.com/2016/03/15/kanye-west-is-updating-wolves|access-date=March 15, 2016|archive-date=March 17, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160317211812/https://www.thefader.com/2016/03/15/kanye-west-is-updating-wolves|url-status=live}}</ref> and proclaiming the end of the ] as a dominant release form.<ref name="slate">{{cite web|last1=Hamilton|first1=Jack|title=The Life of Pablo Is an Attack on the Very Idea of the Album|url=https://www.slate.com/articles/arts/culturebox/2016/02/kanye_west_s_the_life_of_pablo_is_an_attack_on_the_very_idea_of_the_album.html|website=]|date=February 19, 2016|access-date=March 25, 2016|archive-date=March 24, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160324070257/https://www.slate.com/articles/arts/culturebox/2016/02/kanye_west_s_the_life_of_pablo_is_an_attack_on_the_very_idea_of_the_album.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Despite West's earlier comments, in addition to Tidal, the album was released through several other competing services starting in April.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Shah|first1=Neil|title=Kanye West's 'The Life of Pablo' Now Widely Available to Stream|url=https://blogs.wsj.com/speakeasy/2016/04/01/kanye-wests-the-life-of-pablo-now-widely-available-to-stream/|newspaper=The Wall Street Journal|date=April 2016|access-date=April 4, 2016|archive-date=April 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160403211534/https://blogs.wsj.com/speakeasy/2016/04/01/kanye-wests-the-life-of-pablo-now-widely-available-to-stream/|url-status=live}}</ref>
On September 11, 2008, West and his road manager/bodyguard Don Crowley were arrested at ] and booked on charges of ] ] after an altercation with the ] in which West and Crowley broke the photographers' cameras.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cnn.com/2008/SHOWBIZ/Music/09/11/kanye.west.arrested/index.html|title=Kanye West arrested after skirmish at airport|date=2008-09-11|publisher=CNN.com|accessdate=2009-03-19}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.accesshollywood.com/arrests/kanye-west-bodyguard-arrested-at-los-angeles-international-airport_article_11207|title=Kanye West, Bodyguard Arrested At LAX|date=2008-09-11|publisher=Access Hollywood|accessdate=2009-03-19}}</ref> West was later released from the ] station in ] on $20,000 ]. On September 26, 2008 the ] said it would not file felony counts against West over the incident. Instead the case file was forwarded to the ] office who charged West with one count of misdemeanor ], one count of ] and one count of ] and his manager with three counts of each on March 18, 2009.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20080926/en_afp/entertainmentusmusicarrestwest_080926223609|title=Kanye West won't face felony counts over airport scuffle|date=September 26, 2008|publisher=]|accessdate=2008-09-27}}</ref> West and Crowley are expected to be arraigned on April 14, 2009.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2009/03/hold.html|title=Kanye West charged in LAX paparazzi scuffle | L.A. Now |publisher=Los Angeles Times|accessdate=2009-03-18}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1607237/20090318/west_kanye.jhtml|title=Kanye West Expected To Be Charged In Airport Altercation&nbsp;— News Story | Music, Celebrity, Artist News |publisher=MTV.com|accessdate=2009-03-18|last=Rodriguez|first=Jayson}}</ref>
] in 2016]]
West was arrested again on November 14, 2008 at a hotel near ] after another scuffle involving a photographer outside a nightclub in ]. He was later released "with no further action", according to a police spokesperson.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1599323/20081114/west_kanye.jhtml|title=Kanye West Arrested After Alleged Tussle With Photographer, Then Cleared|date=November 14, 2008|accessdate=November 14, 2008}}</ref>


In February 2016, West stated on Twitter that he was planning to release another album in the summer of 2016, tentatively called ''Turbo Grafx 16'' in reference to the 1990s ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://pitchfork.com/news/63742-kanye-west-says-new-album-coming-this-summer/|title=Kanye West Says New Album Coming This Summer—Pitchfork|work=pitchfork.com|date=February 24, 2016|access-date=November 22, 2016|archive-date=October 2, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241002203653/https://pitchfork.com/news/63742-kanye-west-says-new-album-coming-this-summer/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite tweet |last1=West |first1=Kanye |user=kanyewest |number=703446573552967680 |date=February 27, 2016 |title=My next album is titled "Turbo Grafx 16" as of now ...|archive-url=https://archive.today/20160313050042/https://twitter.com/kanyewest/status/703446573552967680 |archive-date=March 13, 2016 |url-status=dead}}</ref> In June 2016, West released the collaborative lead single "]" off the GOOD Music album ''Cruel Winter'', which has yet to be released.<ref name="6 Minute Track">{{cite magazine|url=https://time.com/4356393/kanye-west-new-album-cruel-winter/|title=Kanye West debuts 6-minute track|last=Lang|first=Cady|date=June 3, 2016|magazine=]|access-date=June 3, 2016|archive-date=August 28, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180828224933/https://time.com/4356393/kanye-west-new-album-cruel-winter/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://consequence.net/2016/06/kanye-west-premieres-first-single-from-cruel-winter-listen/|title=Kanye West debuts single with a bunch of all-stars|author=<!--staff writer(s); no by-line-->|date=June 3, 2016|website=]|access-date=June 3, 2016|archive-date=April 13, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210413155718/https://consequence.net/2016/06/kanye-west-premieres-first-single-from-cruel-winter-listen/|url-status=live}}</ref> Later that month, West released a controversial video for "]", which depicted wax figures of several celebrities (including West, Kardashian, Taylor Swift, businessman and then-presidential candidate ], comedian ], and former president George W. Bush) sleeping nude in a shared bed.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.eonline.com/news/775796/kanye-west-gets-almost-no-reactions-from-stars-depicted-naked-in-famous-video|title=Kanye West Gets Almost No Reactions From Stars Depicted Naked in "Famous" Video|work=E! Online|date=June 26, 2016|access-date=June 28, 2016|archive-date=June 28, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160628150056/https://www.eonline.com/news/775796/kanye-west-gets-almost-no-reactions-from-stars-depicted-naked-in-famous-video|url-status=live}}</ref>
On November 23, West performed at the ] ceremony along with ], ], ], ], and others.<ref>" '']''. October 20, 2008. Retrieved on October 24, 2008.</ref> That same night he won two AMA awards, including Favorite Rap/Hip-Hop Album for '']'' and Favorite Rap/Hip-Hop Male Artist.
Kanye West performed at the ] in Denver in August 2008, along with ] and ] in support of ].
On January 20, 2009, Kanye West performed at the ] hosted by ] for President-elect ]'s
inauguration.


In August 2016, West embarked on the ] in support of ''The Life of Pablo.''<ref name="hhd" /> The performances featured a mobile stage suspended from the ceiling.<ref name="hhd">{{cite web|last1=Mitchell|first1=Chris|title=Kanye West Soars Above Crowd To Kick Off Saint Pablo Tour|url=https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.40174/title.kanye-west-soars-above-crowd-to-kick-off-saint-pablo-tour|website=]|date=August 26, 2016|access-date=October 14, 2016|archive-date=October 18, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161018202042/https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.40174/title.kanye-west-soars-above-crowd-to-kick-off-saint-pablo-tour|url-status=live}}</ref> West postponed several dates in October following the ] of several of his wife's effects.<ref name="bbm">{{cite web|last1=Brandle|first1=Lars|title=Kanye West Reschedules 'Saint Pablo' Tour Dates Following Kim Kardashian Robbery|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/7526747/kanye-west-reschedules-saint-pablo-tour-dates-kim-kardashia|website=]|date=October 4, 2016|access-date=October 14, 2016|archive-date=October 8, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161008021137/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/7526747/kanye-west-reschedules-saint-pablo-tour-dates-kim-kardashia|url-status=live}}</ref> On November 21, 2016, West cancelled the remaining 21 dates on the Saint Pablo Tour, following a week of no-shows, curtailed concerts and rants about politics.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-music-kanyewest/exhausted-kanye-west-hospitalized-cancels-tour-after-bizarre-rants-idUSKBN13G1X6|title='Exhausted' Kanye West Cancels Tour After Bizarre Rants|date=November 21, 2016|publisher=]|access-date=June 7, 2018|archive-date=June 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612141202/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-music-kanyewest/exhausted-kanye-west-hospitalized-cancels-tour-after-bizarre-rants-idUSKBN13G1X6|url-status=live}}</ref> He was later admitted for psychiatric observation at ].<ref>{{cite news |title=Kanye West Hospitalized After Canceling Tour: Sources |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/kanye-walks-west-s-saint-pablo-tour-cancelled-following-beyonc-n686856 |publisher=] |first1=Andrew |last1=Blankstein |first2=Alex |last2=Johnson |first3=Emma |last3=Margolin |date=November 21, 2016 |access-date=October 17, 2022 |archive-date=November 24, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161124152023/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/kanye-walks-west-s-saint-pablo-tour-cancelled-following-beyonc-n686856 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://latimes.com/entertainment/gossip/la-et-mg-kanye-west-hospitalized-kim-kardashian-public-20161122-story.html|title=Kanye West's doctor called 911 during breakdown, report says; Kim Kardashian skips public return|first=Christie|last=D'Zurilla|work=Los Angeles Times|date=November 22, 2016|access-date=November 22, 2016|archive-date=November 23, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161123045938/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/gossip/la-et-mg-kanye-west-hospitalized-kim-kardashian-public-20161122-story.html|url-status=live}}</ref> He stayed hospitalized over the Thanksgiving weekend because of a temporary psychosis stemming from sleep deprivation and extreme dehydration.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/kanye-west-to-remain-hospitalized-over-thanksgiving-news.25692.html?|title=Kanye West enters hospital due to sleep deprivation and extreme dehydration|last=Lilah|first=Rose|date=November 24, 2016|website=Hotnewhiphop|access-date=November 24, 2016|archive-date=November 25, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161125110208/https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/kanye-west-to-remain-hospitalized-over-thanksgiving-news.25692.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Following this episode West took an 11-month break from posting on Twitter and the public in general.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Nevins|first1=Jake|title=Kanye West returns to Twitter, writing a philosophy book 'in real time'|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2018/apr/18/kanye-west-twitter-return-philosophy-book|website=The Guardian|date=April 18, 2018|access-date=April 20, 2018|archive-date=April 19, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180419140116/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2018/apr/18/kanye-west-twitter-return-philosophy-book|url-status=live}}</ref>
On February 17, 2009, Kanye was named one of Top 10 Most Stylish Men in America by GQ Magazine.<ref>{{cite web|accessdate=2009-02-17|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/lifestyle/fashion/galleries/justin_timberlake_gq_magazine_10_most_stylish_men_in_america/justin_timberlake_gq_magazine_10_most_stylish_men_in_america.html#ph2|title=The 10 Most Stylish Men in America |publisher=] }}</ref>


=== 2017–2019: ''Ye'' and the Wyoming Sessions ===
On 18 February 2009, West won International Male Solo Artist at The ]. West was not in attendance but accepted his award with a video speech, saying "] is the 'Best Interracial Male' but I'm proud to be the Best International Male in the world.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nme.com/news/brit-awards-2008/42880 |title=Kanye West wins International Male Solo Artist BRIT &#124; News |publisher=Nme.Com |date=2009-02-18 |accessdate=2009-03-15}}</ref>
{{Main|Ye (album)|Kids See Ghosts (album)}}
{{See also|Daytona (album)|Nasir (album)|K.T.S.E.}}


It was reported in May 2017 that West was recording new music in ], with a wide range of collaborators.<ref>{{cite web|title=Kanye West Is Reportedly Busy Creating His Next Album ... On a Mountain|date=May 9, 2017|url=https://www.highsnobiety.com/2017/05/09/kanye-west-next-album/|access-date=April 19, 2018|archive-date=April 20, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180420202857/https://www.highsnobiety.com/2017/05/09/kanye-west-next-album/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Everything We Know So Far About Kanye West's New Album|url=https://www.highsnobiety.com/p/kanye-west-new-album-details-release-date/|access-date=April 19, 2018|archive-date=August 31, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200831115341/https://www.highsnobiety.com/p/kanye-west-new-album-details-release-date/|url-status=live}}</ref> In April 2018, West announced plans to write a philosophy book entitled ''Break the Simulation'',<ref>{{cite magazine|last1=Romano|first1=Nick|title=Kanye West says he's writing a philosophy book called Break the Simulation|magazine=]|date=April 14, 2018|url=https://ew.com/books/2018/04/14/kanye-west-book-philosophy-break-the-simulation/|access-date=April 20, 2018|archive-date=April 20, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180420135909/https://ew.com/books/2018/04/14/kanye-west-book-philosophy-break-the-simulation/|url-status=live}}</ref> later clarifying that he was sharing the book "in real time" on Twitter and began posting content that was likened to "]".<ref name="Kanyelifecoach">{{cite news|last1=Raspers France|first1=Lisa|title=Kanye West is life coaching on Twitter|url=https://www.cnn.com/2018/04/19/entertainment/kanye-west-twitter/index.html|publisher=CNN|date=April 19, 2018|access-date=April 20, 2018|archive-date=April 20, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180420003305/https://www.cnn.com/2018/04/19/entertainment/kanye-west-twitter/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Later that month, he also announced two new albums, a solo album and self-titled collaboration with Kid Cudi under the name ], both of which would be released in June.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Strauss|first1=Matthew|title=Kanye Announces 2 New Albums, Including Kid Cudi Collaboration|url=https://pitchfork.com/news/kanye-west-announces-new-album-release-date/|website=Pitchfork|date=April 19, 2018|access-date=April 20, 2018|archive-date=April 19, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180419215045/https://pitchfork.com/news/kanye-west-announces-new-album-release-date/|url-status=live}}</ref> Additionally, he revealed he would produce upcoming albums by GOOD Music label-mates ] and ], as well as ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://pitchfork.com/news/kanye-says-hes-producing-nas-new-album|title=Kanye Says He's Producing Nas' New Album|date=April 23, 2018|last=Wicks|first=Amanda|website=]|access-date=April 23, 2018|archive-date=April 23, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180423042727/https://pitchfork.com/news/kanye-says-hes-producing-nas-new-album/|url-status=live}}</ref> Shortly thereafter, West released the non-album singles "]" and "]", in which he and ] discussed West's support of Donald Trump.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Wicks |first1=Amanda |last2=Blais-Billie |first2=Braudie |title=Kanye West Drops New Song "Ye vs. the People" With T.I.: Listen |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/kanye-west-premieres-new-song-ye-vs-the-people-with-ti/ |website=] |access-date=June 7, 2018 |date=April 28, 2018 |archive-date=April 28, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180428182336/https://pitchfork.com/news/kanye-west-premieres-new-song-ye-vs-the-people-with-ti/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
In fall of 2009, Kanye West is set to make his very first animated television guest appearance, on ]'s new animated television series, '']'' (a spin-off of '']''), West is set to voice "Kenny West", a rival of ]'s son.<ref name="foxflash">{{cite web|url=http://www.foxflash.com/div.php/main/page?aID=1z2z2z252z1z8&ID=4803|title=Kanye West's Flow is comedy gold on "The Cleveland Show"|publisher=Fox Flash|accessdate=2009-03-20}}</ref> The producers stated working with West was a very good experience and a reason they chose him was because they knew he was a fan of ''Family Guy''.<ref name="kanye">Jocelyn Vena (March 17, 2009). ''].com'.' Retrieved March 17, 2009.</ref>


Pusha T's '']'', "the first project out of Wyoming", was released in May to critical acclaim, although the album's artwork—a photograph of deceased singer ]'s bathroom that West paid $85,000 to license—attracted some controversy.<ref name="Recording">{{cite tweet |user=kanyewest |number=999777955894050816 |url=https://twitter.com/kanyewest/status/999777955894050816 |title=Daytona is the first project out of Wyoming. I'm really proud of what we put together. We've spent a year and a half digging for samples and writing. I really appreciate the overwhelmingly positive response that we've been receiving. 🙏🙏🙏 x|access-date=May 24, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://pitchfork.com/news/kanye-west-debuts-new-album-ye-in-wyoming-listen/|title=Kanye West Unveils New Album YE {{!}} Pitchfork|website=Pitchfork|date=June 2018|language=en|access-date=June 1, 2018|archive-date=June 2, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180602011928/https://pitchfork.com/news/kanye-west-debuts-new-album-ye-in-wyoming-listen/|url-status=live}}</ref> The following week, West released his eighth studio album, '']''. West has suggested that he scrapped the original recordings of the album and re-recorded it within a month.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Skelton|first1=Erik|title=Kanye West Says He Completely Redid His Album After TMZ|url=https://pigeonsandplanes.com/news/2018/06/kanye-west-i-completely-redid-the-album-after-tmz|website=]|access-date=June 7, 2018|date=June 3, 2018|archive-date=June 5, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180605223749/https://pigeonsandplanes.com/news/2018/06/kanye-west-i-completely-redid-the-album-after-tmz|url-status=live}}</ref> The week after, West released a collaborative album with Kid Cudi, titled '']'', named after their group of the same name. West also completed production work on Nas' '']''<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/8461315/hip-hop-community-reacts-to-nas-new-kanye-west-produced-album-nasir|title=The Hip-Hop Community Reacts to Nas' New Kanye West-Produced Album|magazine=Billboard|access-date=December 19, 2019|archive-date=December 19, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191219130644/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/8461315/hip-hop-community-reacts-to-nas-new-kanye-west-produced-album-nasir|url-status=live}}</ref> and Teyana Taylor's '']'', which were released in June 2018.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://pitchfork.com/news/listen-to-teyana-taylors-kanye-produced-new-album-ktse/|title=Listen to Teyana Taylor's Kanye-Produced New Album K.T.S.E.|website=Pitchfork|date=June 23, 2018|language=en|access-date=December 19, 2019|last1=Blais-Billie|first1=Braudie|last2=Strauss|first2=Matthew|archive-date=December 19, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191219130640/https://pitchfork.com/news/listen-to-teyana-taylors-kanye-produced-new-album-ktse/|url-status=live}}</ref>
In April 2009, Kanye West recorded a song called "Hurricane" with ], and it will release on the third album of the band '']''<ref>{{cite web | title = Kanye West Working With 30 Seconds To Mars On New Album | publisher = ]| date = 2009-04-15 | url = http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1609314/20090415/west_kanye.jhtml | author= James Montgomery | accessdate = 2009-04-17}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = 30STM’s Jared Leto on Working With Kanye West | publisher = ]| date = 2009-04-20 | url = http://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2009/04/20/30stms-jared-leto-on-working-with-kanye-west-its-slightly-more-than-unexpected/ | author= Chris Harris | accessdate = 2009-04-30}}</ref>.


In September, West announced his ninth studio album '']'' to be released by the end of the month and a collaborative album with fellow Chicagoan rapper Chance the Rapper titled ''Good Ass Job''. That same month, West announced that he would be changing his stage name to "Ye".<ref name="The Guardian 29 September 2018">{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/sep/29/hear-ye-kanye-west-announces-name-change-ahead-of-snl|title=Hear Ye: Kanye West announces name change ahead of SNL|date=September 29, 2018|work=The Guardian|access-date=September 29, 2018|language=en|archive-date=April 13, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210413204952/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/sep/29/hear-ye-kanye-west-announces-name-change-ahead-of-snl|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Yandhi'' was originally set for release in September 2018 but was postponed multiple times.<ref>{{cite web|last=Blais-Billie|first=Braudie|url=https://pitchfork.com/news/kanye-postpones-release-of-new-album-yandhi-again/|title=Kanye Postpones Release of New Album Yandhi Again|work=]|date=November 12, 2018|accessdate=December 28, 2022|archive-date=December 28, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221228084717/https://pitchfork.com/news/kanye-postpones-release-of-new-album-yandhi-again/|url-status=live}}</ref> In January 2019, West pulled out of headlining that year's Coachella festival after negotiations broke down due to discord regarding stage design.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Snapes|first1=Laura|title=Kanye West ruled out of Coachella after he demands a new stage|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2019/jan/14/kanye-west-coachella-festival-custom-stage|website=The Guardian|access-date=January 20, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190118210217/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2019/jan/14/kanye-west-coachella-festival-custom-stage|archive-date=January 18, 2019|date=January 14, 2019}}</ref> In July, it was reported that songs from West's unreleased album ''Yandhi'' were leaked online.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.spin.com/2019/07/kanye-west-yandhi-leak/|title=Songs From Kanye West's 'Yandhi' Have Apparently Leaked|date=July 18, 2019|website=Spin|access-date=March 3, 2020|archive-date=May 11, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220511013238/https://www.spin.com/2019/07/kanye-west-yandhi-leak/|url-status=live}}</ref> The following month, Kim Kardashian announced that West's next album would be titled '']'', effectively scrapping ''Yandhi''.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/kanye-west-announces-new-album-jesus-king-next-month-check-tracklist-2543368|title=Kanye West confirms release date of new album 'Jesus Is King'|date=September 17, 2019|access-date=September 22, 2020|work=NME|first=Will|last=Richards|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190921203156/https://www.nme.com/news/music/kanye-west-announces-new-album-jesus-king-next-month-check-tracklist-2543368|archive-date=September 21, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://pitchfork.com/news/kanye-west-says-new-album-jesus-is-king-is-out-this-week/|title=Kanye West Says New Album Jesus Is King Is Out This Week|website=Pitchfork|date=October 21, 2019|language=en|access-date=March 3, 2020|archive-date=October 21, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191021060603/https://pitchfork.com/news/kanye-west-says-new-album-jesus-is-king-is-out-this-week/|url-status=live}}</ref> By October, the entire unfinished album was available for a short time on streaming services Spotify and Tidal.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://hypebeast.com/2019/10/kanye-west-yandhi-album-spotify-leak|title=Kanye West's 'YANDHI' Album "Leaks" on Spotify and TIDAL (UPDATE)|website=HypeBeast|date=October 8, 2019|access-date=March 3, 2020|archive-date=January 11, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200111203102/https://hypebeast.com/2019/10/kanye-west-yandhi-album-spotify-leak|url-status=live}}</ref>
==Musical style and influence==
] collaboration in February of 2009.]]
At the start of his career, Kanye West's production style often utilized pitched-up vocal samples, usually from ] songs, with his own drums and instruments.<ref name="king">{{cite news|accessdate=2008-04-26|url=http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/kanye-west-king-of-rap-403127.html|title=Kanye West: King of rap |work=]|date=2007-09-22|author=Burrell, Ian }}</ref> The first major label song he produced was '']'' by ], and his first major release featuring his trademark vocal sampling style was "This Can't Be Life", a track from Jay-Z’s '']''. West said he sped up the drum beat of ]'s "Xxplosive" to use as a replacement for his drums on "This Can't Be Life".<ref name="last call">{{cite web|url=http://www.ohhla.com/anonymous/kan_west/college/lastcall.wst.txt|title=Artist: Kanye West Album: The College Dropout Song: Last Call
|accessdate=2007-06-07|publisher=The Original Hip-Hop Lyrics Archive}}</ref>


=== 2019–2022: ''Jesus Is King'', ''Donda'', and ''Donda 2'' ===
West has said that ] producer ] influenced him in his style,<ref name="cant ignore" /><ref name="KWstBio2">{{cite web|url=http://www.gale.com/free_resources/bhm/bio/west_k.htm|title=Black History&nbsp;— Biographies&nbsp;— Kanye West|accessdate=2006-08-07|publisher=]}}</ref> and has said on numerous occasions that Wu-Tang rappers ] and ] were some of his all-time favorites. Said by Kanye West:
{{Main|Jesus Is King|Donda|Donda 2}}
On January 6, 2019, West started his weekly "]" events, which included soul variations of both West's and others' songs and were attended by multiple celebrities, including the Kardashians, ], and Kid Cudi.<ref name="Hearst Magazine Media, Inc.">{{cite web |last1=Penrose |first1=Nerisha |title=Everything You Need to Know About Kanye West's Sunday Services |url=https://www.elle.com/culture/celebrities/a26962861/kanye-west-sunday-services-location-videos-attendees/ |website=Elle |access-date=March 28, 2019 |archive-date=March 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326032616/https://www.elle.com/culture/celebrities/a26962861/kanye-west-sunday-services-location-videos-attendees/ |url-status=live }}</ref> West previewed a new song, "]" at his "Sunday Service" orchestration performance at Coachella 2019,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.cnn.com/2019/04/21/entertainment/kanye-west-new-song-water/index.html|title=Kanye West debuts new song 'Water' during Sunday Service at Coachella|last=Vera|first=Amir|publisher=CNN|date=April 21, 2019|access-date=April 23, 2019|archive-date=March 26, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326032617/https://www.cnn.com/2019/04/21/entertainment/kanye-west-new-song-water/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref> which was later revealed to feature on his upcoming album '']'';<ref name="track">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/new-kanye-west-album-jesus-is-king-878415/|title=Kim Kardashian Teases Track List for New Kanye West Album 'Jesus Is King'|date=August 29, 2019|magazine=Rolling Stone|url-access=limited|access-date=November 1, 2019|first=Charles|last=Holmes|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190914093002/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/new-kanye-west-album-jesus-is-king-878415/|archive-date=September 14, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> West released the album on October 25, 2019.<ref name="Ryan2019">{{cite web |last1=Ryan |first1=Patrick |title=Review: Kanye West finds God (and Chick-fil-A) on frustrating new album 'Jesus is King' |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/music/2019/10/25/kanye-west-jesus-is-king-review-imax-film-album/4089656002/ |newspaper=] |access-date=October 28, 2019 |language=en |quote="Jesus is King," the rapper's most clear-cut foray into Christian hip-hop, was released midday Friday after multiple delays and tracklist changes. |archive-date=March 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326032629/https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/music/2019/10/25/kanye-west-jesus-is-king-review-imax-film-album/4089656002/ |url-status=live }}</ref> It became the first to ever top the ''Billboard'' 200, Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums, Top Rap Albums, Top Christian Albums and Top Gospel Albums at the same time.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/kanye-wests-jesus-is-king-makes-history-hot-christian-songs-hot-gospel-songs-charts-1253139|title=Kanye West's 'Jesus Is King' Makes History on Hot Christian Songs, Hot Gospel Songs Charts|website=The Hollywood Reporter|date=November 7, 2019|language=en|access-date=November 28, 2019|archive-date=November 7, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191107193947/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/kanye-wests-jesus-is-king-makes-history-hot-christian-songs-hot-gospel-songs-charts-1253139|url-status=live}}</ref> On December 25, 2019, West and Sunday Service released '']'', containing 19 songs, including several re-workings of older West songs.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.cnn.com/2019/12/25/entertainment/kanye-west-jesus-is-born-trnd/index.html |title=Kanye West dropped a new album on Christmas and called it—what else?—'Jesus Is Born' |publisher=C.N.N. Entertainment |editor-last=Asmelash |editor-first=Leah |date=December 25, 2019 |access-date=December 30, 2019 |archive-date=March 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326032632/https://www.cnn.com/2019/12/25/entertainment/kanye-west-jesus-is-born-trnd/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref>


West released a single titled "]" on June 30, 2020, featuring fellow American rapper and singer ], along with the music video, which was set to serve as the lead single from his tenth studio album '']''.<ref>{{cite web|last=Welch|first=Will|url=https://www.gq.com/story/inside-kanye-west-vision-for-the-future-cover-may-2020|title=Inside Kanye West's Vision for the Future|website=GQ|date=April 16, 2020|access-date=July 13, 2020|archive-date=April 15, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200415223343/https://www.gq.com/story/inside-kanye-west-vision-for-the-future-cover-may-2020|url-status=live}}</ref> However, in September 2020, West stated that he would not be releasing any further music until he is "done with contract with Sony and Universal".<ref>{{cite web |title=Kanye West Says He Won't Release New Music Until Freed From Sony and Universal Contracts |url=https://hypebeast.com/2020/9/kanye-west-not-releasing-new-music-until-freed-from-sony-universal-contracts |website=HypeBeast |date=September 15, 2020 |access-date=October 2, 2020 |archive-date=March 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326032636/https://hypebeast.com/2020/9/kanye-west-not-releasing-new-music-until-freed-from-sony-universal-contracts |url-status=live }}</ref> On October 16, he released the single "]".<ref>{{cite web|title=Kanye West Remixes "Nah Nah Nah" With DaBaby & 2 Chainz|url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/kanye-west-remixes-nah-nah-nah-with-dababy-and-2-chainz-new-song.1989328.html|access-date=December 6, 2020|website=HotNewHipHop|date=November 13, 2020|language=en|archive-date=November 13, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201113143332/https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/kanye-west-remixes-nah-nah-nah-with-dababy-and-2-chainz-new-song.1989328.html|url-status=live}}</ref> West held several listening parties at ] for his upcoming album ''Donda'' in the summer of 2021, where he had taken up temporary residence in one of the stadium's locker rooms, converting it into a recording studio to finish the recording.<ref>{{Cite magazine|last=Abubaker|first=Mustafa|date=July 23, 2021|title=We Still Don't Know What's on Kanye's Mind|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/kanye-west-donda-premiere-review-1201351/|access-date=July 27, 2021|magazine=Rolling Stone|language=en-US|archive-date=July 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210726150941/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/kanye-west-donda-premiere-review-1201351/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=July 26, 2021|title=Kanye West living in Atlanta stadium to work on new album|url=https://apnews.com/article/entertainment-music-arts-and-entertainment-hip-hop-and-rap-kanye-west-adad6ab7856b767e49ee4bc847c42e42|access-date=July 27, 2021|publisher=Associated Press|language=en|archive-date=July 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210727034724/https://apnews.com/article/entertainment-music-arts-and-entertainment-hip-hop-and-rap-kanye-west-adad6ab7856b767e49ee4bc847c42e42|url-status=live}}</ref> After multiple delays, ''Donda'' was released on August 29, 2021.<ref>{{Cite magazine|first=Daniel|last=Kreps|title=Kanye West Finally Releases 'Donda' to Streaming Services|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/kanye-west-donda-streaming-services-1218346/|access-date=August 29, 2021|magazine=]|date=August 29, 2021|language=en|archive-date=August 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210829153643/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/kanye-west-donda-streaming-services-1218346/|url-status=live}}</ref> West claimed the album was released early without his approval and alleged that Universal had altered the tracklist.<ref>{{cite news |title=Kanye West: Donda released by Universal without my say, artist claims |publisher=BBC News |date=August 30, 2021 |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-58383576 |access-date=October 19, 2021 |archive-date=March 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326032704/https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-58383576 |url-status=live }}</ref> He released a deluxe edition of ''Donda'', including five new songs, to streaming services on November 14, 2021.<ref>{{cite web|date=November 16, 2021|title=Ye (Formerly Kanye West) Releases 'Donda' Deluxe Edition Featuring New Big Names|url=https://americansongwriter.com/ye-formerly-kanye-west-releases-donda-deluxe-edition-featuring-new-big-names/|access-date=November 22, 2021|website=American Songwriter|language=en-US|archive-date=May 24, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230524044633/https://americansongwriter.com/ye-formerly-kanye-west-releases-donda-deluxe-edition-featuring-new-big-names/|url-status=live}}</ref> On November 20, days after ending their long-running feud,<ref>{{Cite magazine|last=Brandle|first=Lars|date=November 17, 2021|title=No More War? Drake and Kanye West Pose For Photographs|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/drake-ye-reconcile-photographs-1234998304/|access-date=November 22, 2021|magazine=Billboard|language=en-US|archive-date=March 26, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326032704/https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/drake-ye-reconcile-photographs-1234998304/|url-status=live}}</ref> West and rapper ] confirmed that they would stage the "Free ]" benefit concert on December 9 at the ].<ref>{{Cite magazine|last=Kreps|first=Daniel|title=Kanye West and Drake Confirm 'Free Larry Hoover' Benefit Concert|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/kanye-west-drake-free-larry-hoover-benefit-concert-1260723/|date=November 20, 2021|access-date=November 21, 2021|magazine=Rolling Stone|archive-date=March 26, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326032709/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/kanye-west-drake-free-larry-hoover-benefit-concert-1260723/|url-status=live}}</ref>
{{cquote|Wu-Tang? Me and my friends talk about this all the time... We think Wu-Tang had one of the biggest impacts as far as a movement. From slang to style of dress, skits, the samples. Similar to the style I use, RZA has been doing that.<ref name="KWstBio4">{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1553911/20070305/west_kanye.jhtml|title=Kanye, Run-DMC, Outkast, Justin Sound Off On Our Top 10 Hip-Hop Groups|accessdate=2007-06-07|publisher=MTV}}</ref>}}


On January 5, 2022, West was announced as one of the 2022 headliners of ].<ref>{{Cite magazine|last=Brooks|first=Dave|title=Kanye West to Headline Coachella 2022, Considering Sunday Service|url=https://www.billboard.com/business/touring/coachella-2022-kanye-west-billie-eilish-headliners-1235015988/|date=January 5, 2022|access-date=January 5, 2022|magazine=Billboard|archive-date=August 4, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230804080420/https://www.billboard.com/business/touring/coachella-2022-kanye-west-billie-eilish-headliners-1235015988/|url-status=live}}</ref> Later that month on January 15, West released the first single for his upcoming album '']'', "]" featuring ],<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Legaspi |first=Althea |date=January 15, 2022 |magazine=Rolling Stone |title=Kanye West Calls Out Kim Kardashian, Pete Davidson On New Track 'Eazy' |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/kanye-west-the-game-eazy-drop-1284695/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220115082443/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/kanye-west-the-game-eazy-drop-1284695/ |archive-date=January 15, 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref> to be executive produced by American rapper ].<ref name="ReleaseDate">{{cite magazine|last=Jones|first=Marcus|date=January 27, 2022|title=Kanye West shares ''Donda 2'' release date, Future is executive producer|url=https://ew.com/music/kanye-west-donda-2-release-date-future-executive-producer/|magazine=]|access-date=January 28, 2022|archive-date=January 27, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220127191544/https://ew.com/music/kanye-west-donda-2-release-date-future-executive-producer/|url-status=live}}</ref> West hosted a listening event for the album at ] in Miami, Florida, on February 22.<ref>{{Cite magazine|last=Kreps|first=Daniel|date=February 13, 2022|title=Kanye West Sets 'Donda 2' 2.22.22 Event in Miami. Kid Cudi Likely Won't Be There|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/kanye-west-donda-2-22222-event-miami-kid-cudi-beef-1299424/|access-date=February 16, 2022|magazine=Rolling Stone|language=en-US|archive-date=March 26, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326032725/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/kanye-west-donda-2-22222-event-miami-kid-cudi-beef-1299424/|url-status=live}}</ref> In April, shortly before Coachella, West pulled out as headlining act,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://variety.com/2022/music/news/kanye-west-pulls-out-of-coachella-1235224072/|title=Kanye West Pulls Out of Coachella|work=Variety|first1=Jem|last1=Aswad|date=April 4, 2022|access-date=December 29, 2023|archive-date=August 19, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230819010240/https://variety.com/2022/music/news/kanye-west-pulls-out-of-coachella-1235224072/|url-status=live}}</ref> then proceeded to pull out of headlining ].<ref>{{Cite magazine|last=Peters|first=Mitchell|title=Kanye West Pulls Out of Rolling Loud Miami 2022 Headlining Set|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/kanye-west-cancels-rolling-loud-miami-2022-performance-1235115265/|date=July 17, 2022|access-date=July 17, 2022|magazine=Billboard|archive-date=March 26, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326032727/https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/kanye-west-cancels-rolling-loud-miami-2022-performance-1235115265/|url-status=live}}</ref> West and The Game performed the single on July 22, marking West's first performance in five months following the low profile he had been keeping since ''Donda 2'' remained unfinished.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Kreps |first=Daniel |date=July 10, 2022 |title=Kanye West Returns to Stage to Deliver 'Eazy' at the Game's L.A. Show |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/kanye-west-returns-eazy-at-the-game-la-show-1380457/ |access-date=July 11, 2022 |magazine=Rolling Stone |language=en-US |archive-date=March 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326032726/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/kanye-west-returns-eazy-at-the-game-la-show-1380457/ |url-status=live }}</ref> A day later, despite cancelling as headliner, he appeared at Rolling Loud during ]'s set.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://pitchfork.com/news/kanye-west-after-canceling-headlining-set-shows-up-at-rolling-loud-to-do-hot-shit-with-lil-durk/|title=Kanye West, After Canceling Headlining Set, Shows Up at Rolling Loud to Do "Hot Shit" With Lil Durk|work=Pitchfork|first=Allison|last=Hussey|date=July 23, 2022|access-date=December 29, 2023|archive-date=March 26, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326032733/https://pitchfork.com/news/kanye-west-after-canceling-headlining-set-shows-up-at-rolling-loud-to-do-hot-shit-with-lil-durk/|url-status=live}}</ref> In December 2022, after ], West released a new song, "Someday We'll All Be Free", on his Instagram.<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/kanye-west-someday-well-all-be-free-new-song-infowars-1234643524/|title=Kanye West Vents About the Consequences of His Actions on New Track|first1=Andre|last1=Gee|magazine=]|date=December 8, 2022|access-date=December 9, 2022|archive-date=March 26, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326032733/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/kanye-west-someday-well-all-be-free-new-song-infowars-1234643524/|url-status=live}}</ref>
] himself has spoken quite positively of the comparisons:


=== 2023–present: ''Vultures'' trilogy and ''Bully'' ===
{{cquote|All good. I got super respect for Kanye. He came up to me about a year or two ago. He gave me mad praising and blessings... For people to say Wu-Tang inspire Kanye, Kanye is one of the biggest artists in the world. That goes back to what we say: 'Wu-Tang is forever.' Kanye is going to inspire people to be like him." After hearing his work on '']'', RZA claimed that a torch-passing had occured between him and West, saying, "The shoes gotta be filled. If you ain't gonna do it, somebody else is gonna do it. That's how I feel about rap today."<ref>{{cite web |author=Dukes, Rahman; Reid, Shaheem|title=The Clipse Hint At Kanye West Collabo: Mixtape Monday|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1602920/20090116/story.jhtml|work=Rolling Stone |publisher=RealNetworks, Inc |date=2009-01-19 |accessdate=2009-01-19}}</ref>}}
{{Main|Vultures 1|Vultures 2}}
], for '']'' (2024)]]
On August 25, 2023, West was reported to be in the process of recording his eleventh studio album, with two sources close to him stating that the release of new music was "imminent".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Melas |first=Chloe |date=August 25, 2023 |title=Ye plans to drop a new album |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/pop-culture/pop-culture-news/ye-plans-drop-new-album-rcna101889 |access-date=October 14, 2023 |publisher=NBC News |archive-date=November 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231119023619/https://www.nbcnews.com/pop-culture/pop-culture-news/ye-plans-drop-new-album-rcna101889 |url-status=live }}</ref> On October 13, ] reported that West had finished recording a ] with ] and was in the process of shopping the album to distributors, adding that the album was originally intended for an official release that day but was ultimately pushed back for unknown reasons and expected to drop within the coming weeks.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Stutz |first=Colin |date=October 13, 2023 |title=Kanye West Is Shopping a New Album to Distributors |url=https://www.billboard.com/pro/kanye-west-new-album-ty-dolla-sign-shopping-distributors/ |magazine=Billboard |access-date=October 15, 2023 |archive-date=November 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231128012339/https://www.billboard.com/pro/kanye-west-new-album-ty-dolla-sign-shopping-distributors/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The eponymous lead single for the album, "]" featuring ], was released on November 22, 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Moore |first=Sam |date=November 22, 2023 |title=Lil Durk Seemingly Reacts To Being Cut From Kanye West & Ty Dolla $ign's 'Vultures' Single |url=https://hiphopdx.com/news/lil-durk-kanye-west-vultures-removed-reaction |access-date=November 22, 2023 |website=] |language=en |archive-date=November 22, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231122130556/https://hiphopdx.com/news/lil-durk-kanye-west-vultures-removed-reaction |url-status=live }}</ref>


Throughout late 2023 and early 2024, West and Ty Dolla $ign held several concerts previewing songs from the album. In a trailer for the album, West announced that ''Vultures'' would be released as a trilogy of albums, with each of the album's three volumes set to be released on February 9, March 6, and April 5, 2024. In January 2024, West co-signed ] and called him his favorite new artist.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Kanye West Calls TikTok Sensation 4Batz His New Favorite Artist|url=https://www.vibe.com/news/entertainment/kanye-west-tiktok-4batz-new-favorite-artist-1234846807/|access-date=February 16, 2024|website=]|date=January 31, 2024 |language=en|archive-date=February 17, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240217041724/https://www.vibe.com/news/entertainment/kanye-west-tiktok-4batz-new-favorite-artist-1234846807/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/758727-kanye-west-4batz-industry-plant-hip-hop-news|title=Kanye West Co-Signs 4batz Again And Prompts A Plethora Of "Industry Plant" Accusations|work=]|last=Cole|first=Alexander|date=January 21, 2024|accessdate=February 20, 2024|archive-date=February 22, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240222190623/https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/758727-kanye-west-4batz-industry-plant-hip-hop-news|url-status=live}}</ref> On February 8, 2024, West released the first volume's second single, "]" featuring his eldest daughter North.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Cummings-Grady |first=Mackenzie Cummings-Grady |date=February 7, 2024 |title=Kanye and North West Plus Ty Dolla Sign and His Daughter Come Together in 'Talking / Once Again' Video |url=https://www.xxlmag.com/kanye-west-north-west-talking-once-again-video/ |access-date=February 11, 2024 |magazine=XXL|archive-date=February 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240207231932/https://www.xxlmag.com/kanye-west-north-west-talking-once-again-video/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Strauss |first=Matthew |date=February 10, 2024 |title=Kanye West and Ty Dolla $ign Release New Album Vultures 1 |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/kanye-west-and-ty-dolla-sign-release-new-album-vultures-1/ |access-date=February 11, 2024 |website=] |language=en-US |archive-date=February 11, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240211030525/https://pitchfork.com/news/kanye-west-and-ty-dolla-sign-release-new-album-vultures-1/ |url-status=live }}</ref> A day later, producer ] revealed in an interview that West's upcoming eleventh studio album was titled ''Y3'', while also stating that he had contributed to the album in 2023.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Cummings-Grady |first=Mackenzie |date=February 9, 2024 |title=Kanye West's Next Solo Album Is Called Y3, Erick Sermon Says |url=https://www.xxlmag.com/kanye-west-y3-album/ |access-date=February 11, 2024 |magazine=XXL |archive-date=February 10, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240210203053/https://www.xxlmag.com/kanye-west-y3-album/ |url-status=live }}</ref> West has since denied working on an album titled ''Y3''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.xxlmag.com/kanye-west-denies-y3-solo-album-dropping/|title=Kanye West Denies He Has a Solo Album Called Y3 Dropping|date=February 29, 2024|last=Coleman|first=C. Vernon II|magazine=]|access-date=August 10, 2024|archive-date=September 29, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240929034936/https://www.xxlmag.com/kanye-west-denies-y3-solo-album-dropping/|url-status=live}}</ref>
Following the critical and commercial success of his debut '']'', West went on to experiment with his production style for subsequent albums. '']''&nbsp;— during which he collaborated with film composer ]&nbsp;— saw West take on a more "cinematic" approach to hip-hop sound, combining his signature sampling style with horn riffs, piano loops, ] arrangements, and various other orchestra to produce rich, multi-layered instrumentation. His style evolved even further during the conception of '']'', for which he made heavy use of ]-based beats and futuristic sound effects while distancing himself from soul samples, opting for a more eclectic variety of interpolations lifted from artists ranging from ] and ] to ] and ].


On February 10, 2024, hours after West held a listening party at UBS Arena, the first volume of the ''Vultures'' trilogy, entitled '']'', was officially released.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Aswad |first=Jem |date=February 10, 2024 |title=Kanye West and Ty Dolla $ign Finally Release 'Vultures 1' Album |url=https://variety.com/2024/music/news/kanye-west-ty-dolla-ign-finally-release-vultures-album-1235906767/ |access-date=February 11, 2024 |magazine=Variety |archive-date=February 10, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240210154448/https://variety.com/2024/music/news/kanye-west-ty-dolla-ign-finally-release-vultures-album-1235906767/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Lamarre |first=Carl |date=February 10, 2024 |title=Kanye West & Ty Dolla $ign Team Up for New Album 'Vultures 1': Stream It Now |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/kanye-west-ty-dolla-sign-vultures-1-album-stream-it-now-1235558698/ |access-date=February 11, 2024 |magazine=Billboard |archive-date=February 10, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240210213649/https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/kanye-west-ty-dolla-sign-vultures-1-album-stream-it-now-1235558698/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The album debuted at number one on the ''Billboard'' 200, becoming West's eleventh consecutive and Ty Dolla Sign's first number one album, respectively.<ref name=":02">{{Cite magazine |last=Caulfield |first=Keith |date=February 18, 2024 |title=Kanye West & Ty Dolla $ign's 'Vultures 1' Debuts at No. 1 on Billboard 200 Chart |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/kanye-west-ty-dolla-sign-vultures-1-debuts-number-one-billboard-200-albums-chart-1235610342/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240218201249/https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/kanye-west-ty-dolla-sign-vultures-1-debuts-number-one-billboard-200-albums-chart-1235610342/ |archive-date=February 18, 2024 |access-date=February 18, 2024 |magazine=Billboard}}</ref> '']'' released later that year on August 3.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Setaro |first1=Shawn |date=August 3, 2024 |title=Kanye West & Ty Dolla $ign's 'Vultures 2' is Finally Here |url=https://hiphopdx.com/news/kanye-west-ty-dolla-sign-vultures-2-finally-here |website=HipHopDX |access-date=August 16, 2024 |archive-date=August 16, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240816105531/https://hiphopdx.com/news/kanye-west-ty-dolla-sign-vultures-2-finally-here |url-status=live }}</ref> On September 28, during a concert in ], China at the ], West announced his eleventh solo album ''Bully'', debuting the track "Beauty and the Beast".<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 28, 2024 |title=Kanye West Announced His Next Solo Studio Album 'Bully' While In China |url=https://uproxx.com/music/kanye-west-announces-solo-album-bully/ |access-date=September 29, 2024 |website=Uproxx |archive-date=September 29, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240929034910/https://uproxx.com/music/kanye-west-announces-solo-album-bully/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Peters |first=Mitchell |date=September 28, 2024 |title=Ye Announces New Album 'Bully,' Debuts Song 'Beauty and the Beast' at China Listening Event |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/kanye-west-bully-album-beauty-and-the-best-song-announcement-1235787962/ |access-date=September 29, 2024 |magazine=Billboard |archive-date=September 29, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240929034834/https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/kanye-west-bully-album-beauty-and-the-best-song-announcement-1235787962/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
Alongside his pursuit as a producer and later a rapper, West has additionally displayed an escalating interest in ] over the course of his career. The first signs could be found within ''The College Dropout'', which retained "Spaceship", a track that featured a chorus delivered by West in a melodic, half-rapped, half-sung style&nbsp;— a manner not too different from and occasionally used by his favorite rappers Ghostface and ODB. In mid-2008, while guest starring on multiple other artists' singles, West first began singing verses both with the ] effect on ]'s "]" and without on ]'s "Everybody". It eventually culminated with the release of the lead single, "]", from Kanye's fourth album '']''. The song stands as the first solo single by West to feature virtually no rapping whatsoever, instead sang entirely using the auto-tune effect.


== Musical style ==
]
]
While his use of sampling has lessened overtime, West's production continues to distinctively express lush, intricate ]s. This characteristic arose from him listening to the ] ] group ], whose 1998 live album '']'', with the ] inspired him to incorporate ]s into his ].<ref name=Praise>{{cite web |author=Scaggs, Austin|title=Kanye West: A Genius In Praise of Himself |url=http://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/16257550/kanye_west_a_genius_in_praise_of_himself/print|work=Rolling Stone |publisher=RealNetworks, Inc |date=2007-09-20 |accessdate=2007-09-26}}</ref> Though he was unable to afford live instruments beyond ] riffs provided by ] violinist ] around the time of his debut album, its subsequent commercial success allowed him to hire his very own eleven-piece ]. For a time, West stood as the sole current pop star to tour with a string section.<ref name=Praise/>
West's musical career is defined by frequent stylistic shifts and different musical approaches.<ref name="amg">{{cite web|year=2007|access-date=April 24, 2008|url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/p353484|title=Kanye West—Biography|last=Birchmeier|first=Jason|publisher=AllMusic. All Media Guide|archive-date=February 17, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110217223433/https://www.allmusic.com/artist/p353484|url-status=live}}</ref> In the subsequent years since his debut, West has both musically and lyrically taken an increasingly ] approach to crafting ] music while maintaining accessible ] sensibilities.<ref name="Gates, Henry Louis, et al. 2010 705–713">{{cite book |last1=Gates|last2=Henry Louis|display-authors=etal|editor-last1=Bradley|editor-first1=Adam|editor-last2=DuBois|editor-first2=Andrew |title=The Anthology of Rap|url=https://archive.org/details/anthologyofrap00brad|url-access=registration|location=]|publisher=]|date=2010 |pages=|chapter=Kanye West|isbn=9780300141900}}</ref><ref name="Caramanica">{{cite news|author=Caramanica, Jon|title=The Education of Kanye West|url=https://nytimes.com/2007/08/26/arts/music/26cara.html|work=]|date=August 26, 2007|access-date=September 17, 2007|archive-date=November 14, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131114004037/https://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/26/arts/music/26cara.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Rob Tannenbaum 2006 p. 49">Tannenbaum, Rob. "Playboy Interview: Kanye West." '']'' (March 2006), 49.</ref> Ed Ledsham of '']'' said that "West's melding of multiple genres into the hip-hop fold is a complex act that challenges the dominant white notions of what constitutes true ]."<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Ledsham|first=Ed|date=June 2, 2015|url=https://www.popmatters.com/194052-who-will-survive-in-america-kanye-wests-hybridization-of-hip-hop-2495523254.html|title=Who Will Survive in America? Kanye West's Hybridization of Hip-Hop|magazine=]|access-date=November 25, 2019|archive-date=April 28, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190428040758/https://www.popmatters.com/194052-who-will-survive-in-america-kanye-wests-hybridization-of-hip-hop-2495523254.html|url-status=live}}</ref> West's rhymes have been described as funny, provocative and articulate, capable of seamlessly segueing from shrewd commentary to comical ] to introspective sensitivity.<ref name="McCormick">{{cite web|author=McCormick, Neil|title=Kanye West: Hip hop's David Bowie|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/10940931/Kanye-West-Hip-hops-David-Bowie.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/10940931/Kanye-West-Hip-hops-David-Bowie.html |archive-date=January 10, 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|work=]|date=July 2, 2014|access-date=July 12, 2014}}{{cbignore}}</ref> West imparts that he strives to speak in an inclusive manner so groups from different racial and gender backgrounds can comprehend his lyrics, saying he desired to sound "just as ill as ] and just as understandable as ]".<ref name=Vh1>VH1 staff (October 12, 2005). {{cite web |url=https://www.vh1.com/artists/news/1511372/10122005/west_kanye.jhtml |title=Kanye West: Greatness, Perfection, Gucci |access-date=January 8, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051027222703/https://www.vh1.com/artists/news/1511372/10122005/west_kanye.jhtml |archive-date=October 27, 2005 }}. ]. Viacom. Retrieved May 16, 2008.</ref> Early in his career, West pioneered a style of hip-hop production dubbed "chipmunk-soul",<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/the-100-greatest-debut-albums-of-all-time-20130322/the-college-dropout-19691231 |title=100 Best Debut Albums Ever |magazine=Rolling Stone |date=October 13, 2013 |access-date=November 22, 2016 |archive-date=March 25, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130325070201/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/the-100-greatest-debut-albums-of-all-time-20130322/the-college-dropout-19691231 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="Cowie, Del">{{cite web | author=Cowie, Del | title=The Many Sides of Kanye West | url=https://www.exclaim.ca/index.asp?layid=22&csid=1&csid1=2325 | work=] | date=February 27, 2004 | access-date=February 17, 2008 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050130180742/https://www.exclaim.ca/index.asp?layid=22&csid=1&csid1=2325 | archive-date=January 30, 2005}}</ref> a sampling technique involving the manipulation of tempo in order to ] and stretch ] samples from vintage soul songs.<ref name="king">{{cite news|access-date=April 26, 2008|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/kanye-west-king-of-rap-403127.html|title=Kanye West: King of rap|work=The Independent|location=UK|date=September 22, 2007|author=Burrell, Ian|archive-date=September 30, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200930070532/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/profiles/kanye-west-king-of-rap-403127.html|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="Ryan">{{cite web |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/music/2016/02/09/kanye-west-new-album/79814890/# |title=Is Kanye West the greatest artist of the 21st century? |last=Ryan |first=Patrick |work=USA Today |date=February 9, 2016 |access-date=February 10, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160210162150/https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/music/2016/02/09/kanye-west-new-album/79814890/ |archive-date=February 10, 2016}}</ref>


On his debut studio album, '']'' (2004), West formed the constitutive elements of his style, described as intricate hip-hop beats, topical subject matter, and clumsy rapping laced with inventive wordplay.<ref name="Gates, Henry Louis, et al. 2010 705–713" /><ref name="auto1">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/16/arts/music/kanye-west-talks-about-his-career-and-album-yeezus.html|title=Behind Kanye's Mask|date=June 16, 2013|work=The New York Times|access-date=November 22, 2016|archive-date=June 12, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130612210522/https://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/16/arts/music/kanye-west-talks-about-his-career-and-album-yeezus.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The record saw West diverge from the then-dominant ] in hip-hop in favor of more diverse, topical lyrical subjects,<ref name=ebony>Davis, Kimberly. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240302210259/https://books.google.com/books?id=J9kDAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA93#v=onepage&q&f=false |date=March 2, 2024 }} (June 2004) '']''.</ref> including higher education, materialism, ], ] labor, ], ], family, sexuality, his struggles in the music industry, and ] upbringing.<ref name="Love">Love, Josh. {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060915033648/https://www.stylusmagazine.com/reviews/kanye-west/the-college-dropout.htm |date=September 15, 2006 }}. ]. Retrieved on July 23, 2009.</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.courier-journal.com/article/2009912270315|title=Music of the decade|date=December 27, 2009|last=James|first=Jim|newspaper=]|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120722204901/https://www.courier-journal.com/article/2009912270315|archive-date=July 22, 2012|access-date=June 17, 2011}} {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121107123558/https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/courier_journal/access/1928558221.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Dec+27,+2009&author=&pub=Courier+-+Journal&edition=&startpage=I.3&desc=Music+of+the+decade |date=November 7, 2012 }}</ref><ref name="Caramanica" /> Over time, West has explored a variety of ]s, encompassing and taking inspiration from ] on his second studio album, '']'' (2005),<ref name=Pilot /> ] and ] on his third album, '']'' (2007),<ref name=Greene>{{cite web|author=Greene, Jayson|title=Kanye West Graduation—Music Review|url=https://www.stylusmagazine.com/reviews/kanye-west/graduation.htm|work=]|date=September 10, 2007|access-date=September 10, 2007|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070929172650/https://www.stylusmagazine.com/reviews/kanye-west/graduation.htm|archive-date=September 29, 2007}}</ref><ref name=Loop>{{cite web|author=Laws, Angel|title=Exclusive Interview W/ Kanye West|url=https://concreteloop.com/interviews-kanyewest|work=Concrete Loop|publisher=concreteloop.com|date=October 5, 2007|access-date=October 5, 2007|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071006002519/https://concreteloop.com/interviews-kanyewest|archive-date=October 6, 2007}}</ref> ]-driven ] on his fourth album, '']'' (2008),<ref>{{cite book|last=Graves|first=Kirk Walker|page=49|year=2014|chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=s_CHAwAAQBAJ&pg=PA49|title=Kanye West's My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy|chapter=A (Very) Brief Aside Re: '808s & Heartbreak'|access-date=August 3, 2014|publisher=]|isbn=978-1-62356-542-8|archive-date=March 2, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240302200328/https://books.google.com/books?id=s_CHAwAAQBAJ&pg=PA49#v=onepage&q&f=false|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/reviews/album-kanye-west-808s-amp-heartbreakrocafellamercury-1038395.html|access-date=August 3, 2014|date=November 28, 2008|title=Album: Kanye West, 808s & Heartbreak(Roc-a-Fella/Mercury)|newspaper=]|location=London|archive-date=December 1, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081201073453/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/reviews/album-kanye-west-808s-amp-heartbreakrocafellamercury-1038395.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> ], ], ] and ] on '']'' (2013),<ref name="chicagotribune" /><ref name="atlantic">{{cite web|url=https://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2013/06/the-shocking-poignance-of-kanye-wests-i-yeezus-i/276919/|title=The Shocking Poignance of Kanye West's 'Yeezus'|work=]|date=June 18, 2013|access-date=June 19, 2013|author=Kornhaber, Spencer|archive-date=June 18, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130618154714/https://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2013/06/the-shocking-poignance-of-kanye-wests-i-yeezus-i/276919/|url-status=live}}</ref> ] and ] on '']'' (2016), '']'' (2019) and '']'' (2021),<ref>{{cite news|last=Kot|first=Greg|author-link=Greg Kot|year=2016|issue=February 16|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/music/kot/ct-kanye-west-pablo-review-ent-0217-20160215-column.html|title=Kanye West's bewildering, frustrating 'Pablo'|newspaper=]|access-date=April 6, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160405173258/https://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/music/kot/ct-kanye-west-pablo-review-ent-0217-20160215-column.html|archive-date=April 5, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="rs-wip">{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/kanye-wests-jesus-is-king-a-work-in-progress-892567/|title=Kanye West's 'Jesus Is King' Still Sounds Like a Work-in-Progress|magazine=Rolling Stone|url-access=limited|date=September 30, 2019|access-date=October 2, 2019|first=Charles|last=Holmes|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191001125147/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/kanye-wests-jesus-is-king-a-work-in-progress-892567/|archive-date=October 1, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="rs-detroit">{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-live-reviews/kanye-west-jesus-is-king-detroit-892196/|title=Inside Kanye West's Album (and Film) Premiere in Detroit|magazine=Rolling Stone|url-access=limited|date=September 28, 2019|access-date=October 2, 2019|first=Samuel J.|last=Robinson|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191001024556/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-live-reviews/kanye-west-jesus-is-king-detroit-892196/|archive-date=October 1, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="ConsequenceReview">{{Cite web|last=Shorter|first=Marcus|url=https://consequence.net/2021/08/donda-review-kanye-west-analysis/|title=Kanye West Channels His Vulnerability on Donda, Delivering His Best Album in Years|date=August 30, 2021|work=]|access-date=August 30, 2021|archive-date=August 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210830004008/https://consequence.net/2021/08/donda-review-kanye-west-analysis/|url-status=live}}</ref> and ] on '']'' (2018).<ref>{{cite web |last=Thiessen |first=Christopher |title=Kids See Ghosts: Kids See Ghosts (album review) |url=https://www.popmatters.com/kids-see-ghosts-2579340354.html?rebelltitem=1 |website=] |date=June 20, 2018 |access-date=July 15, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190715150327/https://www.popmatters.com/kids-see-ghosts-2579340354.html?rebelltitem=1#rebelltitem1 |archive-date=July 15, 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref>
Kanye has stated on several occasions that outside of work, he favours listening to ] over hip-hop. He cites ], ], and ] as some of his most favorite musical groups. Additionally, on ''Graduation'', West drew inspiration from ] bands such as ], ] and ] for ] and ].<ref name=Crosely>{{cite web |author= Crosley, Hillary|title=Graduation|url=http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/content_display/reviews/albums/e3ibe8ec7c980d6765c46225c438690a813|work=Billboard |publisher=Nielsen Business Media, Inc|date=2007-09-15|accessdate=2007-09-15}}</ref> Both a fan and supporter of ], West uses his official website to promote obscure ] bands, posting up music videos and mp3s on a daily basis.<ref>{{cite web | author=West, Kanye | title= Dirty Projectors "Stillness is the Move"| url=http://www.kanyeuniversecity.com/blog/?em3106=235958_-1__0_~-1_-1_05_2008_0_0&em3298=&em3282=&em3281=&em3161=| work= | publisher=Kanye West/Mascotte Holdings, LLC | date=2009-07-01 | accessdate=2009-07-01}}</ref> This musical affinity is mutual, as Kanye has collaborated with indie artists such as ] and ] while his songs have gone on to be covered countless times by a myriad of rock bands.<ref>{{cite web | author=West, Kanye | title= The Fray – "Heartless"| url=http://www.kanyeuniversecity.com/blog/?em3106=238431_-1__0_~0_-1_8_2009_0_0&em3298=&em3282=&em3281=&em3161=| work= | publisher=Kanye West/Mascotte Holdings, LLC | date=2009-08-15 | accessdate=2009-08-15}}</ref>


==Business ventures== == Other ventures ==
=== Fashion ===
In August 2008, Kanye West revealed plans to open 10 ] restaurants in the Chicago area, with the first coming in September 2008 in Orland Park. The second will follow in January 2009, while a third location is yet to be revealed, although they are in the process of finalizing the lease. His company, KW Foods LLC, has bought the rights to the chain in Chicago.<ref> ''BallerStatus.com''.</ref> Kanye is planning to launch his fashion career, applying for internships with major European fashion houses.<ref> .</ref> He is due to release his own clothing line called ] in 2009.
Early in his career, West made clear his interest in fashion and desire to work in the clothing design industry.<ref name="amg" /><ref name="NewYorkTimes" /> He launched his own clothing line in spring 2006,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.stuffmagazine.com/articles/index.aspxid=1171|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070929131853/https://www.stuffmagazine.com/articles/index.aspx?id=1171|archive-date=September 29, 2007|title=Stuff Style Icon of the Year|access-date=June 7, 2007|work=]}}</ref> and developed it over the following four years before the line was ultimately cancelled in 2009.<ref>{{cite web|last=Mdudu|first=Naomi|url=https://www.thefashpack.net/perfectionist-kanye-wests-pastelle-line-cancelled/|title=Perfectionist Kanye West's Pastelle Line Cancelled?|publisher=The FashPack|date=October 9, 2009|access-date=February 4, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171104184326/https://www.thefashpack.net/perfectionist-kanye-wests-pastelle-line-cancelled/|archive-date=November 4, 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Tharpe|first=Frazier|url=https://www.complex.com/style/2011/09/what-couldve-been-a-history-of-kanyes-defunct-pastelle-line|title=What Could've Been: A History of Kanye's Defunct Pastelle Line|work=Complex Magazine|date=October 11, 2011|access-date=January 14, 2013|archive-date=August 27, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120827065926/https://www.complex.com/style/2011/09/what-couldve-been-a-history-of-kanyes-defunct-pastelle-line|url-status=live}}</ref> In January 2007, West's first sneaker collaboration was released, a special-edition Bapesta from ].<ref>{{cite web |title=Kanye West x Bapesta FS-001 Low 'College Dropout' |url=https://www.kickgame.co.uk/products/kanye-west-x-bapesta-fs-001-low-college-dropout |website=Kick Game |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220327010336/https://www.kickgame.co.uk/products/kanye-west-x-bapesta-fs-001-low-college-dropout |archive-date=March 27, 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=The Kanye West Sneaker Collaboration That's Cooler Than Yeezys |url=https://www.gq.com/story/kanye-west-bape-sneakers-collaboration |website=GQ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211227045241/https://www.gq.com/story/kanye-west-bape-sneakers-collaboration |archive-date=December 27, 2021 |date=January 5, 2007}}</ref> In 2009, West collaborated with ] to release his own shoe, the ], becoming the first non-athlete to be given a shoe deal with the company.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Facey |first1=Robert |title=A Complete History of Hip-Hop Sneaker Deals |url=https://www.complex.com/sneakers/2012/05/a-complete-history-of-hip-hop-sneaker-deals/ |website=Complex |access-date=January 20, 2019 |date=May 7, 2012 |archive-date=January 21, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190121010852/https://www.complex.com/sneakers/2012/05/a-complete-history-of-hip-hop-sneaker-deals/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In January 2009, he introduced his first shoe line designed for ] during ]. The line was released in summer 2009.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://hypebeast.com/2009/3/kanye-west-x-louis-vuitton-sneakers-for-june-2009|title=Kanye West x Louis Vuitton Sneakers for June 2009|publisher=Hypebeast|date=March 5, 2011|access-date=February 2, 2013|archive-date=November 6, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181106145819/https://hypebeast.com/2009/3/kanye-west-x-louis-vuitton-sneakers-for-june-2009|url-status=live}}</ref> West has additionally designed shoewear for Italian shoemaker ].<ref>{{cite web|last=Hislop|first=Rachel|url=https://globalgrind.com/style/kanye-west-complete-history-shoe-designs-photos|title=Renaissance Man: Kanye West's Complete History Of Shoe Designs|publisher=Global Grind|date=September 26, 2012|access-date=February 4, 2013|archive-date=November 28, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121128063533/https://globalgrind.com/style/kanye-west-complete-history-shoe-designs-photos|url-status=live}}</ref>


In fall 2009, West moved to ], where he interned at Italian fashion brand ], giving ideas for the men's collection.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sohh.com/kanye-west-reveals-global-escapes-i-moved-to-rome-after-i-left-japan-worked-at-fendi-for-4-months-under-cover|title=Kanye West's fashion journey|last=Cochrane|first=Lauren|work=The Guardian|date=August 13, 2011|access-date=June 9, 2017|archive-date=July 31, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170731120447/https://www.sohh.com/kanye-west-reveals-global-escapes-i-moved-to-rome-after-i-left-japan-worked-at-fendi-for-4-months-under-cover/|url-status=live}}</ref> In March 2011, West collaborated with ] for a series of silk scarves featuring artwork from ''My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy''.<ref>{{cite web|title=Kanye West x M/M (Paris) Silk Scarves—A Closer Look|url=https://hypebeast.com/2011/5/kanye-west-x-mm-paris-silk-scarves-a-closer-look|website=Hypebeast|date=May 4, 2011|access-date=May 4, 2011|archive-date=March 2, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130302031044/https://hypebeast.com/2011/5/kanye-west-x-mm-paris-silk-scarves-a-closer-look|url-status=live}}</ref> In October 2011, West premiered his women's fashion label at Paris Fashion Week.<ref name="TIFDb"> Retrieved and verified on October 2, 2011</ref> His debut fashion show received mixed-to-negative reviews.<ref>{{cite web|last=Odell|first=Amy|url=https://nymag.com/daily/fashion/2011/10/what_kanye_west_got_right_and.html|title=What Kanye West Got Right and Wrong With His First Paris Fashion Week Show—The Cut|work=New York|date=August 17, 2011|access-date=October 5, 2011|archive-date=October 4, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111004233358/https://nymag.com/daily/fashion/2011/10/what_kanye_west_got_right_and.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In March 2012, West premiered a second fashion line at Paris Fashion Week.<ref>{{cite news|last=Wilson|first=Julee|url=https://huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/06/kanye-west-fall-2012-fashion-show_n_1325769.html|title=Kanye West Debuts Fall 2012 Collection During Paris Fashion Week|work=The Huffington Post|date=March 7, 2012|access-date=February 2, 2012|archive-date=March 7, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120307121554/https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/06/kanye-west-fall-2012-fashion-show_n_1325769.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Leitch|first=Luke|url=https://fashion.telegraph.co.uk/article/TMG9126626/Paris-Fashion-Week-Kanye-West-autumnwinter-2012.html|title=Paris Fashion Week: Kanye West autumn/winter 2012|newspaper=Telegraph (UK)|date=March 6, 2012|access-date=February 2, 2013|location=London|archive-date=October 5, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131005132102/https://fashion.telegraph.co.uk/article/TMG9126626/Paris-Fashion-Week-Kanye-West-autumnwinter-2012.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Critics deemed the sophomore effort "much improved" compared to his first show.<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Frank|first=Alex|url=https://www.thefader.com/2012/03/07/kanye-west-at-paris-fashion-week-round-ii-the-reviews/|title=Kanye West at Paris Fashion Week Round II: The Reviews|magazine=The Fader|date=March 7, 2012|access-date=February 6, 2013|archive-date=September 9, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180909035413/https://www.thefader.com/2012/03/07/kanye-west-at-paris-fashion-week-round-ii-the-reviews/|url-status=live}}</ref>
Kanye has also collaborated with Nike to release his own shoe named the Air Yeezys. There colorways have currently been produced and released.


On December 3, 2013, ] officially confirmed a new shoe collaboration deal with West.<ref name="Little">{{cite news|last=Little|first=Lyneka|url=https://blogs.wsj.com/speakeasy/2013/12/04/adidas-confirms-new-deal-with-kanye-west/|title=Adidas Confirms New Deal with Kanye West|work=The Wall Street Journal|date=December 4, 2013|access-date=December 6, 2013|archive-date=August 15, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200815205941/https://blogs.wsj.com/speakeasy/2013/12/04/adidas-confirms-new-deal-with-kanye-west/|url-status=live}}</ref> After months of anticipation and rumors, West confirmed the release of the ] Boosts. In 2015, West unveiled a Yeezy clothing line, premiering in collaboration with Adidas early that year.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.racked.com/2015/9/8/9251093/yeezy-season-1-kanye-west-adidas-shopping-guide|title=Yeezy Season 1: How to Shop Kanye West x Adidas |first=Nicola|last=Fumo|date=September 8, 2015|work=racked.com|access-date=November 22, 2016|archive-date=September 9, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180909035516/https://www.racked.com/2015/9/8/9251093/yeezy-season-1-kanye-west-adidas-shopping-guide|url-status=live}}</ref> In June 2016, Adidas announced a new long-term contract with Kanye West that extended the Yeezy line to a number of stores, planning to sell sports performance products like basketball, football, and soccer,<ref name="newcontract">{{cite web|url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/5-nba-players-who-should-be-wearing-adidas-yeezy-sneakers-on-the-court-news.22554.html?|title=Adidas announces long-term contract with Adidas Yeezys|last=Rooney|first=JKyle|date=June 29, 2016|website=Hotnewhiphop|access-date=June 29, 2016|archive-date=June 30, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160630155721/https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/5-nba-players-who-should-be-wearing-adidas-yeezy-sneakers-on-the-court-news.22554.html|url-status=live}}</ref> although Adidas terminated the partnership with West in October 2022 due to his antisemitic remarks.<ref>{{Cite press release |date=October 25, 2022 |title=ADIDAS TERMINATES PARTNERSHIP WITH YE IMMEDIATELY |url=https://www.adidas-group.com/en/media/news-archive/press-releases/2022/adidas-terminates-partnership-ye-immediately/ |publisher=] |location=Herzogenaurach |access-date=January 2, 2023 |archive-date=December 31, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221231165327/https://www.adidas-group.com/en/media/news-archive/press-releases/2022/adidas-terminates-partnership-ye-immediately/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In May 2021, West signed a 10-year deal linking Yeezy with ] to create ], however, in September 2022, West announced that he was ending the deal.<ref>{{cite web |last=D'innocenzio |first=Anne |date=September 15, 2022 |title=Kanye West says he's splitting with Gap after 2 years |url=https://www.cp24.com/entertainment-news/kanye-west-says-he-s-splitting-with-gap-after-2-years-1.6070169 |access-date=September 18, 2022 |website=CP24 |language=en |archive-date=September 16, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220916195430/https://www.cp24.com/entertainment-news/kanye-west-says-he-s-splitting-with-gap-after-2-years-1.6070169 |url-status=live }}</ref>
On January 22, 2009, during Paris Fashion Week, Kanye West introduced his first shoe line designed for ]. The line is to be in stores by summertime.


=== Business ventures ===
==Philanthropy==
West founded the record label and production company ] in 2004, in conjunction with ], shortly after releasing his debut album, '']''. West, alongside then-unknown ] singer ] and fellow Chicago rapper ] were the label's inaugural artists.<ref name=Founded>{{cite web|title=G.O.O.D. Music is Founded by Kanye West|url=https://www.complex.com/music/2012/09/the-complete-history-of-good-music/good-music-founded|work=The Complete History of G.O.O.D. Music|publisher=Complex.com|access-date=December 3, 2013|last=Chesna|first=Benjamin|date=September 26, 2012|archive-date=August 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200807162618/https://www.complex.com/music/2012/09/the-complete-history-of-good-music/good-music-founded|url-status=live}}</ref> The label houses artists including West, ], Pusha T, Teyana Taylor, Yasiin Bey / Mos Def, ] and John Legend, and producers including ], Q-Tip, ], No I.D., ], and S1. GOOD Music has released ten albums ] or higher by the ] (RIAA). In November 2015, West appointed Pusha T the new president of GOOD Music.<ref>{{Cite magazine|title=Pusha T Named President of G.O.O.D. Music|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/6753076/pusha-t-president-good-music-exclusive|magazine=Billboard|access-date=November 9, 2015|archive-date=November 12, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151112001322/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/6753076/pusha-t-president-good-music-exclusive?|url-status=live}}</ref>
Kanye West started the "Kanye West Foundation" in ] in 2003. In 2007, Kanye West was recognized by AAE as the fifth best Black Celebrity Philanthropist of 2007. On August 24 2007 Kanye hosted the inaugural benefit concert for his foundation that launched the foundations partnership with Strong American Schools. The foundation has also been called the Donda West Foundation at times. Focused on helping ] and ] children stay in school and to get a proper education through ], ], and ]. The foundation also focuses on children who need help to stay in high school by finding a path through music. Kanye has contributed over 500,000 dollars to his foundation.


In August 2008, West revealed plans to open 10 ] restaurants in the Chicago area after his company, KW Foods LLC, bought the rights to the chain in Chicago. The first location opened in September 2008 in Orland Park and a second followed in January 2009.<ref>{{cite web|title=Kanye West To Open Chain of Fatburger Restaurants in Chicago|url=https://www.ballerstatus.com/2008/08/13/kanye-west-to-open-chain-of-fatburger-restaurants-in-chicago/|archive-url=https://archive.today/20150204111514/https://www.ballerstatus.com/2008/08/13/kanye-west-to-open-chain-of-fatburger-restaurants-in-chicago/|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 4, 2015|website=BallerStatus.com|date=August 2010}}</ref> The Orland Park location closed in early 2011 due to poor sales performance.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/kanye-west-closes-orland-park-fatburger/1908471/|title=Kanye West Closes Orland Park Fatburger|date=January 25, 2011|website=]|access-date=October 10, 2024}}</ref>
Kanye West has appeared and participated in many fundraisers, benefit concerts, and community work that include the Hurricane Katrina Fundraiser, Kanye West Foundation, Millions More Movement, ], ] concert benefit, ] rally and march, ] runs, and a ] special that shows firsthand Kanye West helping give young ] veterans that struggle through debt and ] a second chance after returning home.<ref></ref> West became a producer of ], a non-profit collaborative art project, in February 2009.
==Mother's death==
]
On November 10, 2007, West's mother, Donda West, died of complications from ] involving ] and ].<ref name="mswest">{{cite web|accessdate=2008-04-24|url=http://www.tmz.com/2007/11/12/911-responded-in-donda-west-case/|title=Fire Dept. Called to Donda West's Home|publisher=]}}</ref> ] reported that ] physician Andre Aboolian had advised Donda West not to have surgery because of a health condition that placed her at risk for a ].<ref name="mswest"/> Aboolian referred her to another internist.<ref name="mswest"/> Donda never met with the doctor recommended by Aboolian and had the procedures performed by a third doctor, ].<ref name="mswest"/>


In January 2012, West announced his establishment of the creative content company ], named after his late mother.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.complex.com/music/2012/01/kanye-west-announces-creative-company-donda/|title=Kanye West Announces Creative Company DONDA|last=Osei|first=Anthony|date=January 5, 2012|magazine=Complex Magazine|access-date=January 9, 2012|archive-date=January 8, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120108200345/https://www.complex.com/music/2012/01/kanye-west-announces-creative-company-donda|url-status=live}}</ref> In his announcement, West proclaimed that the company would "pick up where ] left off"; Donda would operate as a "design company" with a goal to "make products and experiences that people want and can afford".<ref name="vh1.com">Graham, Mark, , January 5, 2012, 'VH1', retrieved August 4, 2015.</ref> In stating Donda's creative philosophy, West articulated the need to "put creatives in a room together with like minds" in order to "simplify and aesthetically improve everything we see, taste, touch, and feel."<ref name="vh1.com" /> West is notoriously secretive about the company's operations, maintaining neither an official website nor a social media presence.<ref>Hope, Clover, {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160207124828/https://www.vibe.com/2013/08/kanye-west-has-dream-inside-creative-agency-donda/ |date=February 7, 2016 }}, August 19, 2013, 'VIBE', retrieved August 4, 2015.</ref><ref>Pasori, Cedar, {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151223034420/https://www.complex.com/style/2014/11/how-kanye-wests-creative-company-donda-is-making-its-own-brand-of-cool |date=December 23, 2015 }}, November 3, 2014, 'Complex Magazine', retrieved August 4, 2015.</ref> Contemporary critics have noted the consistent minimalistic aesthetic exhibited throughout Donda creative projects.<ref>Sargent, Jordan, {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180820114429/https://www.spin.com/2013/11/kanye-west-2-chainz-pusha-t-big-sean-donda-minimalist-design-company/ |date=August 20, 2018 }}, November 13, 2013, 'Spin Magazine', retrieved August 4, 2015.</ref><ref>Babcock, Gregory, {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160309183431/https://www.complex.com/style/2015/06/rich-wilkerson-jr-donda-book |date=March 9, 2016 }}, June 23, 2015, 'Complex Magazine', retrieved August 4, 2015.</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Lewis|first=Brittany|url=https://globalgrind.com/2014/11/03/donda-created-music-covers-photos-kanye-west-creative-house/|title=Every Music Cover Kanye West's Creative House DONDA Has Created So Far... (LIST)|date=November 3, 2014|work=Global Grind|access-date=December 29, 2023|archive-date=February 12, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160212083517/https://globalgrind.com/2014/11/03/donda-created-music-covers-photos-kanye-west-creative-house/|url-status=live}}</ref>
Dr. Jan Adams sent condolences to Donda West's family but declined to publicly discuss the procedure because of confidentiality.<ref>{{cite web|accessdate=2008-04-24|url=http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20159928,00.html?xid=rss-fullcontentcnn|title=Donda West's Doctor Expresses 'Condolences'|work=]}}</ref> He had previously been under scrutiny by the medical board.<ref>{{cite news|accessdate=2008-04-24|url=http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/11/13/west.surgeon/index.html#cnnSTCText|title= Donda West's surgeon faced malpractice suits, records show |publisher=CNN}}</ref><ref name="focus mom">{{cite web|accessdate=2008-04-24|url=http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20159824,00.html?xid=rss-fullcontentcnn|title=Focus of Kanye West Mom's Death Shifts to Doctor|work=]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|accessdate=2008-04-24|url=http://www.celebtv.com/Headlines.aspx?NewsGuid=8b002218-ccc7-4d27-9c7d-8009628c79a4|title=CELEBTV.COM DOCUMENT: WEST DOC’S MEDICAL LICENSE QUESTIONED|publisher=Celeb TV}}</ref> Dr. Adams appeared on '']'' on November 20, 2007 but left before speaking. Two days later, he appeared again, with his attorney, stating he was there to "defend himself." He said that the recently released autopsy results "spoke for themselves."<ref>{{cite web|accessdate=2008-04-24|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1580109/20080123/winehouse_amy.jhtml|title=Amy Winehouse's Alleged Crack Video Under Investigation; Plus Pink, Paris Hilton, 'American Idol' & More, In For The Record |publisher=MTV }}</ref> The final coroner's report January 10, 2008 concluded that Donda West died of "coronary artery disease and multiple post-operative factors due to or as a consequence of liposuction and mammoplasty."<ref>{{cite web|accessdate=2008-04-24|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1579429/20080110/west_kanye.jhtml|title=Donda West, Kanye's Mother, Died Of Heart Attack: Coroner's Report|publisher=]}}</ref>


West expressed interest in starting an architecture firm in May 2013, saying "I want to do product, I am a product person, not just clothing but water bottle design, architecture{{nbsp}}... I make music but I shouldn't be limited to one place of creativity"<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.dezeen.com/2013/09/24/im-working-with-five-architects-at-a-time-kanye-west/|title='I'm working with five architects at a time'—Kanye West|date=September 24, 2013|work=Dezeen|access-date=September 28, 2018|language=en-US|archive-date=September 28, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180928200716/https://www.dezeen.com/2013/09/24/im-working-with-five-architects-at-a-time-kanye-west/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2018/may/07/kanye-west-announces-architecture-arm-to-his-company-yeezy-home|title=Kanye West announces architecture arm to his company Yeezy|last=Beaumont-Thomas|first=Ben|date=May 7, 2018|website=The Guardian|language=en|access-date=September 28, 2018|archive-date=September 29, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180929000244/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2018/may/07/kanye-west-announces-architecture-arm-to-his-company-yeezy-home|url-status=live}}</ref> and then later in November 2013, delivering a ] on his architectural goals during a visit to ].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.citylab.com/design/2013/11/kanye-west-goes-harvard-delivers-manifesto-architecture/7616/|title=Kanye West Goes to Harvard, Delivers Manifesto on Architecture|work=CityLab|access-date=September 28, 2018|language=en-US|archive-date=September 29, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180929000131/https://www.citylab.com/design/2013/11/kanye-west-goes-harvard-delivers-manifesto-architecture/7616/|url-status=live}}</ref> In May 2018, West announced he was starting an architecture firm called Yeezy Home, which will act as an arm of his already successful Yeezy fashion label.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.dezeen.com/2018/05/07/kanye-west-announces-yeezy-home-architecture-arm/|title=Kanye West to launch architecture arm of Yeezy fashion label|date=May 7, 2018|work=Dezeen|access-date=September 28, 2018|language=en-US|archive-date=September 28, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180928200755/https://www.dezeen.com/2018/05/07/kanye-west-announces-yeezy-home-architecture-arm/|url-status=live}}</ref> In June 2018, the first Yeezy Home collaboration was announced by designer Jalil Peraza, teasing an affordable concrete ] home as part of a ] project.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.curbed.com/2018/5/7/17326702/kanye-west-yeezy-home-architecture-design|title=Is Kanye West's first architecture project an affordable concrete prefab?|work=Curbed|access-date=September 28, 2018|archive-date=September 28, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180928201042/https://www.curbed.com/2018/5/7/17326702/kanye-west-yeezy-home-architecture-design|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.dezeen.com/2018/06/04/kanye-west-yeezy-home-architecture-social-housing-project-instagram/|title=Kanye West begins Yeezy Home architecture venture with social-housing project|date=June 4, 2018|work=Dezeen|access-date=September 28, 2018|language=en-US|archive-date=September 29, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180929000120/https://www.dezeen.com/2018/06/04/kanye-west-yeezy-home-architecture-social-housing-project-instagram/|url-status=live}}</ref>
The funeral and burial for West's mother, Donda West, was held in ] on November 20, 2007.<ref>{{cite web|accessdate=2008-04-24|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/category/story.cfm?c_id=1501135&objectid=10477686|title=Kanye West's tearful goodbye at mother's funeral|work=]}}</ref> West held his first concert following the funeral at ] in London on November 22. He dedicated a performance of "]", as well as a cover of ] "]", to his mother, and has done so on all other dates of his Glow in the Dark tour.<ref>{{cite web|accessdate=2008-04-24|url=http://www.usmagazine.com/kanye_west_at_second_show_since_mothers_death_he_had_a_powerful_energy_inside_him|title=VIDEO: Kanye West Dedicates Journey's "Don't Stop Believing" to His Mom |work=] }}</ref>{{Update after}}


In March 2015, it was announced that West is a co-owner, with various other music artists, in the ] service ]. The service specialises in ] audio and high definition music videos. Jay-Z acquired the parent company of Tidal, ], in the first quarter of 2015.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/03/14/business/media/jay-z-buys-the-music-streaming-firm-aspiro.html|title=Jay Z Buys the Music Streaming Firm, Aspiro|work=The New York Times|date=March 13, 2015|access-date=March 31, 2015|first=Ben|last=Sisario|archive-date=September 8, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190908091219/https://www.nytimes.com/2015/03/14/business/media/jay-z-buys-the-music-streaming-firm-aspiro.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Sixteen artist stakeholders including Jay-Z, Rihanna, Beyoncé, Madonna, ], ] co-own Tidal, with the majority owning a 3% equity stake.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/6509498/jay-z-tidal-launch-artist-stakeholders|title=It's Official: Jay Z's Historic Tidal Launches With 16 Artist Stakeholders|magazine=]|first=Andrew|last=Flanagan|date=March 30, 2015|access-date=March 31, 2015|archive-date=April 2, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190402032038/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/6509498/jay-z-tidal-launch-artist-stakeholders|url-status=live}}</ref> In October 2022, in direct response to bans he received on Twitter and Instagram stemming from his antisemitic comments,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Wagner |first1=Kurt |last2=Bhashin |first2=Kim |title=Ye Says He Bought Parler Because Instagram, Twitter Penalized Him |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-10-17/ye-says-parler-purchase-prompted-by-instagram-twitter-penalties |date=October 17, 2022 |access-date=October 18, 2022 |website=] |archive-date=October 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221017190731/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-10-17/ye-says-parler-purchase-prompted-by-instagram-twitter-penalties |url-status=live }}</ref> West reached an ] to acquire the ] social network ] for an undisclosed amount.<ref>{{cite web |last=Browne |first=Ryan |title=Kanye West, who now goes by Ye, agrees to buy conservative social media platform Parler, company says |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2022/10/17/kanye-west-is-buying-conservative-social-media-platform-parler-company-says.html |date=October 17, 2022 |access-date=October 18, 2022 |publisher=] |language=en |archive-date=January 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230119085751/https://www.cnbc.com/2022/10/17/kanye-west-is-buying-conservative-social-media-platform-parler-company-says.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last1=Coster |first1=Helen |last2=Datta |first2=Tiyashi |last3=Balu |first3=Nivedita |title=Kanye West agrees to buy social media app Parler |language=en |publisher=] |url=https://www.reuters.com/technology/parler-be-acquired-by-kanye-west-2022-10-17/ |date=October 17, 2022 |access-date=October 18, 2022 |archive-date=October 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221017222740/https://www.reuters.com/technology/parler-be-acquired-by-kanye-west-2022-10-17/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Parler and West mutually agreed to terminate the proposed deal in mid-November.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/12/01/tech/kanye-parler-deal-termination/index.html|title=Kanye West is no longer acquiring Parler, company says|first=Brian|last=Fung|work=CNN Business|date=December 1, 2022|access-date=December 2, 2022|archive-date=December 1, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221201224143/https://www.cnn.com/2022/12/01/tech/kanye-parler-deal-termination/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
At a December 2008 press conference in New Zealand, Kanye spoke about his mother's death for the first time. "It was like losing an arm and a leg and trying to walk through that," he told reporters.<ref>. ''HipHopDX.com''. Retrieved December 2, 2008.</ref>

=== Philanthropy ===
West, alongside his mother, founded the Kanye West Foundation in Chicago in 2003, tasked with a mission to battle dropout and illiteracy rates, while partnering with community organizations to provide underprivileged youth access to music education.<ref name="Mission Statement">{{cite web|url=https://www.kanyewestfoundation.org/the_foundation.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080806210737/https://www.kanyewestfoundation.org/the_foundation.html|archive-date=August 6, 2008|title=About the Dr. Donda West Foundation|publisher=Kanye West Foundation website (archived)|year=2008|access-date=February 6, 2013}}</ref> In 2007, West and the Foundation partnered with ] as part of their "Ed in '08" campaign.<ref>{{cite news|last=Herszenhorn|first=David M.|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/25/education/25schools.html|title=Billionaires Start $60 Million Schools Effort|work=The New York Times|date=April 25, 2007|access-date=February 6, 2013|archive-date=May 30, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130530090527/https://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/25/education/25schools.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://education-portal.com/articles/Kanye_West_to_Politicians%3A_Yo,_Education_is_Important.html|title=Kanye West to Politicians: Yo, Education Is Important|publisher=Education Portal Stone|date=August 24, 2007|access-date=February 6, 2013|archive-date=July 8, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140708120106/https://education-portal.com/articles/Kanye_West_to_Politicians%3A_Yo,_Education_is_Important.html|url-status=live}}</ref> As spokesman for the campaign, West appeared in a series of PSAs for the organization, and hosted an inaugural benefit concert in August of that year.<ref>{{cite web|last=Webb|first=Tracey|url=https://www.blackgivesback.com/2007/08/hip-hop-superstar-kanye-west-combats.html|title=Hip Hop Superstar Kanye West Combats School Drop Out Rate Through Hip Hop Music|publisher=Black Gives Back|date=August 26, 2007|access-date=February 6, 2013|archive-date=January 16, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130116164634/https://www.blackgivesback.com/2007/08/hip-hop-superstar-kanye-west-combats.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2008, following the death of West's mother, the foundation was rechristened The Dr. Donda West Foundation.<ref name="Mission Statement" /><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.looktothestars.org/charity/dr-donda-west-foundation|title=Dr. Donda West foundation|publisher=Look to the Stars|access-date=February 6, 2013|archive-date=March 12, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130312044444/https://www.looktothestars.org/charity/dr-donda-west-foundation|url-status=live}}</ref> The foundation ceased operations in 2011.<ref>{{cite news|last=Horowitz|first=Steven J.|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/20/business/20charity.html|title=Kanye West's Charity Closes|work=The New York Times|date=April 19, 2011|access-date=February 6, 2013|archive-date=September 9, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180909035409/https://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/20/business/20charity.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2013, Kanye West and friend ] founded Donda's House, Inc., a program aimed at helping at-risk Chicago youth.<ref>{{cite web|last=Minsker|first=Evan Minsker.|url=https://pitchfork.com/news/51675-kanye-wests-dondas-house-launches-free-music-writing-program-for-chicago-youth/|title=Kanye West's Donda's House Launches Free Music Writing Program for Chicago Youth|website=Pitchfork|date=July 28, 2013|access-date=March 11, 2016|archive-date=March 12, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160312071653/https://pitchfork.com/news/51675-kanye-wests-dondas-house-launches-free-music-writing-program-for-chicago-youth/|url-status=live}}</ref>

West has contributed to hurricane relief in 2005 by participating in a ] benefit concert after the storm had ravaged black communities in ]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/redeye/redeye-kanye-west-katrina-telethon-george-bush-black-people-20150902-htmlstory.html|title=10 years ago today, Kanye West said, 'George Bush doesn't care about black people'|date=September 2, 2015|last=Terry|first=Josh|website=]|access-date=December 11, 2022|archive-date=August 30, 2021|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210830043610/https://www.chicagotribune.com/redeye/redeye-kanye-west-katrina-telethon-george-bush-black-people-20150902-htmlstory.html|url-status=live}}</ref> and in 2012 when he performed at a ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/14/arts/music/at-concert-for-sandy-relief-big-names-find-the-right-tone.html|title=Wave After Wave of the Right Tunes|date=December 13, 2012|last=Pareles|first=Jon|website=]|access-date=December 11, 2022|archive-date=December 11, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221211211831/https://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/14/arts/music/at-concert-for-sandy-relief-big-names-find-the-right-tone.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In January 2019, West donated $10&nbsp;million towards the completion of the ] by American artist ].<ref>{{cite news|last=Beaumont-Thomas|first=Ben|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2019/jan/15/kanye-west-donates-10-million-for-james-turrell-art-installation|title=Kanye West donates $10m for James Turrell art installation|work=The Guardian|date=January 15, 2019|access-date=January 20, 2019|archive-date=January 21, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190121011023/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2019/jan/15/kanye-west-donates-10-million-for-james-turrell-art-installation|url-status=live}}</ref> In June 2020, in the wake of the ] and the ], he donated $2{{nbsp}}million between the family of Floyd and other victims of ], ] and ]. The donation funded legal fees for Arbery and Taylor's families, as well as establishing a ] to fully cover ] for Floyd's daughter.<ref>{{cite news|last=Melas|first=Chloe|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2020/06/04/entertainment/kanye-west-two-million-dollar-donation/index.html|title=Kanye West donates $2 million, pays college tuition for George Floyd's daughter|publisher=CNN|date=June 5, 2020|access-date=June 6, 2020|archive-date=June 6, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200606005541/https://edition.cnn.com/2020/06/04/entertainment/kanye-west-two-million-dollar-donation/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Acting and filmmaking ===
West made ] as himself in the films '']'' (2005) and '']'' (2008),<ref>{{cite web|last1=Rabin|first1=Nathan|title=State Property 2|url=https://www.avclub.com/state-property-2-1798208620|website=]|access-date=January 17, 2018|date=August 16, 2005|archive-date=January 17, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180117190401/https://film.avclub.com/state-property-2-1798208620|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="MTV Comedy Lover">{{cite web|last1=Newman|first1=Jason|title=High Five: Kanye West, Comedy Lover|url=https://www.mtv.com/news/2694262/hive-five-kanye-west-comedy-lover/|publisher=MTV|access-date=January 17, 2018|date=August 29, 2011|archive-date=April 7, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220407015510/https://www.mtv.com/news/2694262/hive-five-kanye-west-comedy-lover/|url-status=dead}}</ref> and in an episode of the television show '']'' in 2007.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Sundermann|first1=Eric|title=The Kanye West Scene in 'Entourage' Is One of the Greatest Moments in Television History|url=https://noisey.vice.com/da/article/rb8j83/the-kanye-west-entourage-scene-rules|website=]|publisher=]|access-date=January 17, 2018|date=June 8, 2015|archive-date=September 17, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180917105327/https://noisey.vice.com/da/article/rb8j83/the-kanye-west-entourage-scene-rules|url-status=live}}</ref> West provided the voice for "Kenny West", a rapper, in the animated sitcom '']''.<ref name="MTV Comedy Lover" /> In 2009, he starred in the ]-directed short film '']'' (2009), playing himself acting belligerently while drunk in a nightclub.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Itzkoff|first1=Dave|title=Spike Jonze Explains His Kanye West Mini-Movie, 'We Were Once a Fairytale'|url=https://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/10/22/spike-jonze-explains-his-kanye-west-mini-movie-we-were-once-a-fairytale/|website=]|access-date=January 17, 2018|date=October 22, 2009|archive-date=January 17, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180117131745/https://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/10/22/spike-jonze-explains-his-kanye-west-mini-movie-we-were-once-a-fairytale/|url-status=live}}</ref> West wrote, directed, and starred in the musical short film '']'' (2010), which heavily features music from ''My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy''.<ref name="BillboardPremiere" /> The film depicts a relationship between a man, played by West, and a half-woman, half-] creature.<ref name="vulture">{{cite web|url=https://nymag.com/daily/entertainment/2010/10/vulture_talks_to_selita_ebanks.html|title=Vulture Talks to Selita Ebanks, the Star of Kanye's Movie|date=October 19, 2010|first=Amos|last=Barshad|work=]|access-date=January 17, 2018|archive-date=October 22, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101022131326/https://nymag.com/daily/entertainment/2010/10/vulture_talks_to_selita_ebanks.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2012, West co-directed another short film, along with ],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mtv.com/news/6snush/kanye-west-cruel-summer-cinema|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240530230147/https://www.mtv.com/news/6snush/kanye-west-cruel-summer-cinema|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 30, 2024|title=Kanye West's Custom-Built {{'}}''Cruel Summer''{{'}} Cinema: Take A Look Inside!|date=May 30, 2012|last=Montgomery|first=James|website=MTV|access-date=May 30, 2024}}</ref> titled '']'', which premiered at the ] in a custom pyramid-shaped screening pavilion featuring seven screens constructed for the film. The film was meant to tie in with the compilation album ] to be released later that year.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.vulture.com/2012/05/kanye-west-cruel-summer-cannes-2012.html|title=Kanye Screens ''Cruel Summer'' for Cannes, Kim, and an Approving Jay-Z|date=May 24, 2012|last=Yuan|first=Jada|website=Vulture|access-date=May 30, 2024|archive-date=September 29, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240929034835/https://www.vulture.com/2012/05/kanye-west-cruel-summer-cannes-2012.html|url-status=live}}</ref> West made a cameo appearance in the comedy '']'' (2013) as a ] representative in the film's fight scene.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mtv.com/news/iircyd/kanye-west-anchorman-2-comedian|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240530230147/https://www.mtv.com/news/iircyd/kanye-west-anchorman-2-comedian|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 30, 2024|title=Kanye The Comedian? {{'}}''Anchorman 2''{{'}} Director Opens Up About Cameo|date=December 18, 2013|last=Sullivan|first=Kevin P.|website=MTV|access-date=May 30, 2024}}</ref> In September 2018, West announced the starting of a film production company named Half Beast, LLC.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.msn.com/en-us/music/celebrity/kanye-west-is-launching-a-new-company-find-out-what-hes-doing-next/ar-BBNpLBp|title=Kanye West is launching a new company: Find out what he's doing next|website=MSN|language=en-US|access-date=September 17, 2018|archive-date=September 17, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180917105259/https://www.msn.com/en-us/music/celebrity/kanye-west-is-launching-a-new-company-find-out-what-hes-doing-next/ar-BBNpLBp|url-status=live}}</ref> A documentary shot over 21 years featuring footage of West's early days in Chicago through the death of his mother to his presidential run was announced to debut in 2021. Titled '']'', it was acquired by ] for $30 million<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.complex.com/pop-culture/kanye-west-documentary-reportedly-sold-netflix-30-million|title=Kanye West Documentary Reportedly Sold to Netflix for $30 Million|first=Brenton|last=Blanchet|date=April 7, 2021|publisher=Complex|access-date=October 20, 2021|archive-date=September 18, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210918173351/https://www.complex.com/pop-culture/kanye-west-documentary-reportedly-sold-netflix-30-million|url-status=live}}</ref> and released in 2022.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.complex.com/music/a/j-mckinney/kanye-west-jeen-yuhs-documentary-part-1-revelations|title=10 Big Revelations From Part 1 of Kanye West's {{'}}''Jeen-Yuhs''{{'}} Documentary|date=February 16, 2022|last=McKinney|first=Jessica|website=Complex|access-date=May 30, 2024|archive-date=May 30, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240530230148/https://www.complex.com/music/a/j-mckinney/kanye-west-jeen-yuhs-documentary-part-1-revelations|url-status=live}}</ref>

A documentary shot over 6 years with a billion-dollar budget was announced to debut in 2024. Titled ''In Whose Name?'', it was directed by Nico Ballesteros and will be released in 2025.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Ritman |first1=Alex |title=Mysterious Kanye West Doc ''In Whose Name?'' Heads to AFM With Goodfellas and Utopia, First Image Revealed (EXCLUSIVE) |url=https://variety.com/2024/film/global/kanye-west-doc-in-whose-name-afm-1236197279/ |website=] |access-date=November 1, 2024 |date=November 1, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Goodfellow |first=Melanie |date=2024-11-01 |title=Kanye West Doc ''In Whose Name?'' To Be Unveiled At AFM As Goodfellas & Utopia Launch Sales |url=https://deadline.com/2024/11/kanye-west-doc-in-whose-name-revealed-afm-1236164638/ |access-date=2024-11-02 |website=] |language=en-US}}</ref>

=== Presidential campaigns ===
{{Main|Kanye West U.S. presidential campaigns}}

==== 2020 ====
], on July 19, 2020]]

On July 4, 2020, West announced on Twitter that he would be running in the ].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Seipel |first=Brooke |date=July 4, 2020 |title=Kanye tweets he's running for president |language=en |work=The Hill |url=https://thehill.com/blogs/in-the-know/in-the-know/505893-kanye-tweets-hes-running-for-president |access-date=July 4, 2020 |archive-date=January 20, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210120205450/https://thehill.com/blogs/in-the-know/in-the-know/505893-kanye-tweets-hes-running-for-president |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Drury |first=Sharareh |date=July 4, 2020 |title=Kanye West Announces 2020 Presidential Run |language=en |work=The Hollywood Reporter |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/kanye-west-announces-2020-presidential-run-1301846 |access-date=July 5, 2020 |archive-date=July 5, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200705060424/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/kanye-west-announces-2020-presidential-run-1301846 |url-status=live }}</ref> On July 7, West was interviewed by ''Forbes'' about his presidential run, where he announced that his running mate would be Wyoming preacher Michelle Tidball, and that he would run as an ] under the "Birthday Party", explaining his decision of why he chose the name, saying, "Because when we win, it's everybody's 'birthday'."<ref>{{cite news |last1=Lane |first1=Randall |title=Kanye West Says He's Done With Trump—Opens Up About White House Bid, Damaging Biden And Everything In Between |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/randalllane/2020/07/08/kanye-west-says-hes-done-with-trump-opens-up-about-white-house-bid-damaging-biden-and-everything-in-between/#44bd292447aa |access-date=July 8, 2020 |work=Forbes |date=July 7, 2020 |archive-date=July 8, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200708062958/https://www.forbes.com/sites/randalllane/2020/07/08/kanye-west-says-hes-done-with-trump-opens-up-about-white-house-bid-damaging-biden-and-everything-in-between/#44bd292447aa |url-status=live }}</ref> West also said he no longer supported Trump because he "hid in bunker" during the ].<ref name="France">{{cite news|last=France|first=Lisa Respers|date=July 8, 2020|title=Kanye West says he no longer supports Trump and that he had coronavirus|url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/07/08/entertainment/kanye-trump-coronavirus-forbes/index.html|access-date=July 8, 2020|publisher=CNN|archive-date=July 14, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200714174654/https://www.cnn.com/2020/07/08/entertainment/kanye-trump-coronavirus-forbes/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Continuing, he said, "You know? Obama's special. Trump's special. We say Kanye West is special. America needs special people that lead. ]? Special. ]'s not special."<ref name="France" />

Various political pundits speculated that West's presidential run was a publicity stunt to promote his latest music releases.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Rolli |first1=Bryan |title=Kanye West's 2020 Presidential Run Is Just His Latest Outrageous Promotional Stunt |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/bryanrolli/2020/07/05/kanye-west-2020-presidential-run-promotional-stunt/#79c654b74a9d |access-date=July 8, 2020 |issue=July 5, 2020 |work=Forbes |archive-date=July 19, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200719023633/https://www.forbes.com/sites/bryanrolli/2020/07/05/kanye-west-2020-presidential-run-promotional-stunt/#79c654b74a9d |url-status=live }}</ref>{{better source needed|date=May 2024|reason=See ]}} On July 15, 2020, official paperwork was filed with the ] for West, under the "BDY" Party affiliation<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Kreps |first=Daniel |date=July 15, 2020 |title=A 'Kanye 2020' Committee Just Filed With the FEC, But Is It Legit? |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/kanye-2020-fec-1029361/ |access-date=August 16, 2020 |magazine=Rolling Stone |language=en-US |archive-date=August 18, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200818025733/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/kanye-2020-fec-1029361/ |url-status=live }}</ref> amid claims that he was preparing to drop out.<ref>{{cite web|date=July 15, 2020|title=Kanye West has reportedly dropped out of the presidential race|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/kanye-west-has-reportedly-dropped-out-of-the-presidential-race-2707866|access-date=July 15, 2020|website=NME|language=en-GB|archive-date=July 15, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200715053629/https://www.nme.com/news/music/kanye-west-has-reportedly-dropped-out-of-the-presidential-race-2707866|url-status=live}}</ref> West held his first rally that weekend, on July 19.<ref>{{Cite news |date=July 20, 2020 |title=Kanye West launches unconventional 2020 campaign |language=en-GB |publisher=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-53467658 |access-date=July 20, 2020 |archive-date=July 20, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200720010206/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-53467658 |url-status=live }}</ref> West aligned himself with the philosophy of a ], a tenet of ].<ref name="PCR2020">{{cite web |title=Kanye West picks 'biblical life coach' as presidential running mate |url=https://premierchristian.news/en/news/article/kanye-west-picks-biblical-life-coach-as-presidential-running-mate2 |publisher=] |access-date=August 31, 2020 |language=en |date=July 10, 2020 |archive-date=August 12, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200812180559/https://premierchristian.news/en/news/article/kanye-west-picks-biblical-life-coach-as-presidential-running-mate2 |url-status=live }}</ref> His platform advocated for the creation of a ], endorsing ], supporting the arts, buttressing ]s, restoring ], providing for a strong national defense, and ].<ref name="Kornhaber2020">{{cite web |last1=Kornhaber |first1=Spencer |title=Kanye West, Political Pawn |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/culture/archive/2020/08/how-kanye-west-became-political-pawn/615256/ |publisher=] |access-date=August 20, 2020 |language=en |date=August 14, 2020 |archive-date=November 23, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201123224432/https://www.theatlantic.com/culture/archive/2020/08/how-kanye-west-became-political-pawn/615256/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In July 2020, West told ''Forbes'' that he is ignorant on issues such as taxes and foreign policy.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/randalllane/2020/07/08/kanye-west-says-hes-done-with-trump-opens-up-about-white-house-bid-damaging-biden-and-everything-in-between/|title=Kanye West Says He's Done With Trump—Opens Up About White House Bid, Damaging Biden And Everything In Between|first=Randall|last=Lane|website=Forbes|date=July 8, 2020|access-date=July 8, 2020|archive-date=July 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200708062958/https://www.forbes.com/sites/randalllane/2020/07/08/kanye-west-says-hes-done-with-trump-opens-up-about-white-house-bid-damaging-biden-and-everything-in-between/|url-status=live}}</ref>

West conceded on Twitter on November 4, 2020.<ref>{{cite web|date=November 4, 2020|title='Welp': Kanye West admits defeat while teasing 2024 run|url=https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/welp-kanye-west-admits-defeat-while-teasing-2024-run|access-date=November 6, 2020|website=The Washington Examiner|first=Anthony|last=Leonardi|language=en|archive-date=November 5, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201105110135/https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/welp-kanye-west-admits-defeat-while-teasing-2024-run|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Carras |first=Christi |date=November 4, 2020 |title=Well, one thing is certain: Kanye West will not be elected president |language=en-US |work=Los Angeles Times |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/music/story/2020-11-04/election-2020-kanye-west-votes-president |access-date=November 5, 2020}}</ref> He received 66,365 votes in the 12 states he had ballot access in, receiving an average of 0.32%. Reported write-in votes gave West an additional 3,931 votes across 5 states. In addition, the ''] / Kanye West'' ticket won 60,160 votes ] (0.34%).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fec.gov/resources/cms-content/documents/2020presgeresults.pdf|title=OFFICIAL 2020 PRESIDENTIAL GENERAL ELECTION RESULTS|publisher=FEC |access-date=June 4, 2021}}</ref> According to '']'', on January 4, 2021, a Kanye West-linked publicist pressured a Georgia election worker to confess to bogus charges of election tampering to assist ].<ref>{{Cite news|last1=Szep|first1=Jason|last2=So|first2=Linda|date=December 10, 2021|title=Kanye West publicist pressed Georgia election worker to confess to bogus fraud charges|language=en|publisher=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecom/kanye-west-publicist-pressed-georgia-election-worker-confess-bogus-fraud-charges-2021-12-10/|access-date=December 12, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Olding|first=Barbie Latza Nadeau, Rachel|date=December 10, 2021|title=Of Course Trump's Jan. 6 Plot Now Involves Kanye's Henchwoman|language=en|work=The Daily Beast|url=https://www.thedailybeast.com/trevian-kutti-kanye-publicist-urged-georgia-election-worker-ruby-freeman-to-confess-to-fraud-says-reuters|access-date=December 12, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Jenkins|first=Cameron|date=December 10, 2021|title=Publicist linked to Kanye West pushed election worker to confess to Trump's fraud claims: Reuters|url=https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/585368-publicist-linked-to-kanye-west-pushed-election-worker-to|access-date=December 12, 2021|website=The Hill|language=en}}</ref> In December 2021, '']'' reported that West's presidential campaign received millions of dollars in services from a secret network of Republican operatives, payments to which the committee did not report. According to campaign finance experts, this was done to conceal a connection.<ref>{{Cite news|last1=Sollenberger|first1=Roger|last2=Bredderman|first2=William|date=December 17, 2021|title=Kanye West's 'Independent' Campaign Was Secretly Run by GOP Elites|language=en|work=]|url=https://www.thedailybeast.com/kanye-wests-independent-campaign-was-secretly-run-by-gop-elites|access-date=December 18, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=McLaughlin|first=Kelly|date=December 17, 2021|title=Kanye West's presidential campaign was run by GOP operatives who were trying to re-elect Trump, investigation finds|url=https://www.businessinsider.com/kanye-west-presidential-campaign-gop-operatives-investigation-finds-2021-12|access-date=December 18, 2021|website=]|language=en-US}}</ref>

==== 2024 ====
West stated his intention to run for president again in the ], saying at a November 2019 event, "When I run for president in 2024, we would've created so many jobs that I'm not going to run, I'm going to walk." He was met with laughter from the audience.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/celebrities/2019/11/08/kanye-west-says-hes-running-president-2024/2527854001/ |title=Kanye West on joining 2024 presidential race: 'I'm not going to run, I'm going to walk' |website=]}}</ref> In response to a request for additional information from the ] regarding the creation of a ], West's representatives emphasized that he "has not decided whether to become a candidate for president in the 2024 election" and refused to file additional paperwork with the commission.<ref>{{cite web|last=McCarthy|first=Tyler|date=May 19, 2021|title=Kanye West 'has not decided' if he'll run for president again in 2024|url=https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/kanye-west-not-decided-run-president-2024|access-date=January 6, 2022|publisher=Fox News|language=en-US}}</ref> West officially launched his presidential campaign in November 2022.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-63754702 | title=Kanye West announces 2024 presidential bid|work=BBC News|first=Mark|last=Savage|date=November 25, 2022|access-date=May 30, 2024}}</ref> West claimed to have asked former president Donald Trump to be his running mate; according to West, Trump was "caught off-guard" by the request and warned him of losing if he decided to run.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Helmore |first=Edward |date=November 25, 2022 |title=Kanye West announces 2024 presidential bid amid far-right ties |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2022/nov/25/kanye-west-presidential-run-2024 |access-date=June 27, 2023 |issn=0261-3077}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Kanye West announces he's running for president |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/kanye-west-announced-running-president/story?id=71614805 |access-date=June 27, 2023 |website=ABC News |language=en}}</ref> In October 2023, an attorney for West said that he "is not a candidate for office in 2024".<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/kanye-west-not-running-president-2024-1235450094/|title=Kanye West Not Running For President in 2024|date=October 20, 2023|last=Kaufman|first=Gil|magazine=]|access-date=November 20, 2023}}</ref>

==Views==
{{Main|Views of Kanye West}}
{{Wikinews|Rapper Kanye West denounces Bush response, American media at hurricane relief telethon}}

West has been an outspoken and controversial celebrity throughout his career, receiving criticism from the mainstream media, industry colleagues and entertainers, and three U.S. presidents.<ref name="amg" /><ref name="NewYorkTimes" /> In a 2005 speech, West criticized both the media and the government's racial disparities in their response to ], stating on live television "] doesn't care about black people".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Moraes |first=Lisa |date=September 3, 2005 |title=Kanye West's Torrent of Criticism, Live on NBC |newspaper=The Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/09/03/AR2005090300165.html |access-date=December 2, 2022}}</ref> He apologized for the comment in 2010, saying he "didn't have the grounds to call a racist" and later stated in regard to the remark that he "was programmed to think from a victimized mentality".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://people.com/politics/kanye-west-george-bush-racist-2005-victim-mentality/|title=Kanye West Explains Calling George W. Bush Racist in 2005: 'I Was Caught Up in a Victim Mentality'|date=October 11, 2018|last=McAffee|first=Tierney|website=]|access-date=June 11, 2024}}</ref> West voiced his ] in 2013, citing his belief in the ],<ref>{{Cite magazine|title=Kanye West Claimed Democrats Make Black People Kill Their Children |url=https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/zmj5b8/kanye-west-interview-big-boy-democrats-abortion-and-plan-b|first=Susan|last=Rinkunas |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191215155700/https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/zmj5b8/kanye-west-interview-big-boy-democrats-abortion-and-plan-b |archive-date=December 15, 2019|date=October 28, 2019|access-date=July 5, 2020 |magazine=Vice}}</ref> and in 2022 deemed abortion "genocide and population control" of black people.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/music/story/2022-10-24/kanye-west-lex-fridman-antisemitism-podcast|title=Kanye West assails Jews, abortion in new interview with Lex Fridman|date=October 25, 2022|website=Los Angeles Times}}</ref> He has stated that ] "sounds like a choice",<ref>{{cite news|url=https://theguardian.com/music/2018/may/01/kanye-west-on-slavery-for-400-years-that-sounds-like-a-choice|title=Kanye West on slavery: 'For 400 years? That sounds like a choice'|work=]|first1=Benjamin|last1=Lee|first2=Ben|last2=Beaumont-Thomas|date=May 2, 2018|access-date=October 27, 2022}}</ref> before elaborating that his comment was in reference to mental enslavement and argued for ].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.cnn.com/2018/05/01/entertainment/kanye-west-slavery-choice-trnd/index.html|title=Kanye West just said 400 years of slavery was a choice|first=Harmeet|last=Kaur|date=May 2018|publisher=CNN}}</ref> He later apologized for the comment.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://people.com/music/kanye-west-apologizes-slavery-comment-cries-over-bipolar-disorder|title=Kanye West Apologizes for Saying 'Slavery Was a Choice' in Tearful Interview|work=People|first=Robyn|last=Merrett|date=August 29, 2018|access-date=August 30, 2018}}</ref>

In late 2022, West made a series of ] statements,<ref name="cnbc" /> resulting in the termination of his collaborations, sponsorships, and partnerships with '']'', ], ], ], ], and ].<ref>{{cite web |title=UMG Confirms Termination of Kanye West Relationship – Gap Removes Yeezy Products From Stores |url=https://www.digitalmusicnews.com/2022/10/25/umg-gap-remove-yeezy-products-from-stores/ |access-date=October 25, 2022 |publisher=]|first=Ashley|last=King|date=October 25, 2022 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Adidas cuts ties with Ye over antisemitic remarks that caused an uproar |url=https://www.npr.org/2022/10/25/1131285970/adidas-ye-kanye-west-antisemitic|date=October 25, 2022 |access-date=October 25, 2022 |publisher=]|first=Bobby|last=Allyn}}</ref> West was widely condemned after appearing at a dinner hosted by ] at ] beside ], a ].<ref name="cnbc">{{cite news|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2022/12/02/biden-condemns-antisemitism-after-ye-praises-hitler-post-trump-dinner.html|title=Biden condemns antisemitism as Ye praises Hitler days after dinner with Trump, white nationalist Fuentes|date=December 2, 2022|last=Kinery|first=Emma|work=]|access-date=December 6, 2022}}</ref> In a subsequent December appearance on ]'s '']'', West praised ], ],<ref>{{cite news |last1=Adragna |first1=Anthony |last2=Olander |first2=Olivia |title='A deranged Anti-semite': GOP outraged at Ye's latest horror show |url=https://www.politico.com/news/2022/12/01/ye-antisemitism-republicans-hitler-00071695 |access-date=December 2, 2022 |work=] |date=December 1, 2022}}</ref> and identified himself as a ].<ref name="timesofisraelnazi">{{Cite web |date=December 1, 2022 |title=Kanye West praises Hitler, calls himself a Nazi in unhinged interview |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/doubling-down-on-antisemitism-kanye-west-praises-hitler-in-unhinged-interview/ |access-date=December 3, 2022 |website=] |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name="vanityfairnazi">{{cite web|url=https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2022/12/kanye-west-alex-jones-donald-trump-hitler|title=Kanye West, Donald Trump's Dining Companion, Tells Alex Jones, "I'm a Nazi," Lists Things He Loves About Hitler|date=December 1, 2022|last=Levin|first=Bess|website=]|access-date=February 14, 2023}}</ref> After the interview, West used his Twitter account to post a picture of a ] entangled in a ], and his account was terminated.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Mohammed |first1=Leyla |title=Kanye West Leaked Messages Showing Elon Musk Told Him He'd 'Gone Too Far' Before Suspending His Twitter Account For Promoting His Presidential Campaign With A Swastika |url=https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/leylamohammed/kanye-west-suspended-twitter-swastika-elon-musk |access-date=December 22, 2022 |work=Buzzfeed News |date=December 2, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Kanye West suspended from Twitter after posting swastika inside the Star of David |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2022/dec/02/kanye-west-suspended-from-twitter-after-posting-swastika-inside-the-star-of-david |work=The Guardian|first=Dan|last=Milmo|date=December 2, 2022 |access-date=December 2, 2022}}</ref> In July 2023, Twitter reversed the ban, citing assurances from West that he would not post harmful content.<ref name="Busby 2023 c026">{{cite web | last=Busby | first=Mattha | title=Elon Musk reinstates Kanye West's Twitter account after ban | website=The Guardian | date=July 30, 2023 | url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2023/jul/30/elon-musk-reinstates-kanye-west-twitter-account-after-ban | access-date=July 30, 2023}}</ref><ref name="Al Jazeera 2023 n578">{{cite web | title=Twitter, now called X, reinstates Kanye West account | website=Al Jazeera | date=July 30, 2023 | url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/7/30/x-formerly-known-as-twitter-reinstates-kanye-west-account | access-date=July 30, 2023}}</ref> According to a 2023 report published by the ], West's antisemitic rhetoric has caused several instances of hate-speech vandalism, harassment, and violence across the United States.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-news/kanye-west-anti-semitic-rhetoric-assaults-vandalism-1234678236/|title=Report: Kanye's Anti-Semitic Rhetoric Led to Assaults, Vandalism|date=February 13, 2023|last=Dickinson|first=Tim|magazine=]|access-date=March 7, 2023}}</ref> In December 2023, weeks before the release of his upcoming album, West apologized for his antisemitic remarks in a written statement on Instagram.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://apnews.com/article/ye-kanye-antisemitism-apology-40450fa8868c660d954b672d5dfbcc3a|title=The rapper Ye, who has a long history of making antisemitic comments, issues an apology in Hebrew|date=December 26, 2023|last=Sherman|first=Maria|website=]|access-date=December 28, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2023/dec/26/kanye-west-apologises-to-jewish-community-for-2022-antisemitic-remarks|title=Kanye West apologises to Jewish community for 2022 antisemitic remarks|work=The Guardian|first=Ben|last=Beaumont-Thomas|date=December 26, 2023|access-date=December 28, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/kanye-west-apology-jewish-community-antisemitic-comments-1234936039/|title=Kanye Suddenly Decides His Hitler Talk Was Bad|magazine=Rolling Stone|first=Emily|last=Zemler|date=December 26, 2023|access-date=December 28, 2023}}</ref> In a subsequent interview, he said "ome of the stuff I was saying was true"<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/kanye-west-admits-he-was-two-months-from-going-bankrupt-after-adidas-deal-termination-3587469|title=Kanye West admits he was "two months from going bankrupt" after Adidas deal termination|date=February 14, 2024|last=Rigotti|first=Alex|website=]|access-date=June 11, 2024}}</ref> and that Black people cannot be antisemitic because they "are Jew".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/music/2024/02/19/kanye-west-ty-dolla-vultures-billboard-chart/|title={{'}}''Vultures''{{'}} charts at No. 1 on Billboard despite Ye's antisemitic rants|date=February 19, 2024|last=Chery|first=Samantha|newspaper=]|access-date=June 11, 2024}}</ref>

== Personal life ==
West has been one of the ]; his net worth was as high as $1.8 billion in 2021.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Goldsmith |first1=Jill |date=April 6, 2021 |title=Tyler Perry, Kim Kardashian & Kanye West Hit Forbes Billionaires List For First Time; Jeff Bezos, Elon Musk Are No. 1 & 2 For 2021 |url=https://deadline.com/2021/04/tyler-perry-kim-kardashian-kanye-west-forbes-billionaires-list-jeff-bezos-elon-musk-1234728825/ |access-date=December 3, 2021 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}}</ref> In October 2022, '']'' estimated his net worth to have dropped to $400 million in large part due to ]'s termination of their partnership following a series of public antisemitic statements.<ref name="Voytko">{{cite web |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/lisettevoytko/2022/10/25/billionaire-no-more-kanye-wests-anti-semitism-obliterates-his-net-worth-as-adidas-cuts-ties/?sh=1c1ef5f517e7 |title=Billionaire No More: Kanye West's Anti-Semitism Obliterates His Net Worth As Adidas Cuts Ties |website=] |first=Lisette |last=Voytko |date=October 25, 2022 |accessdate=October 25, 2022}}</ref>

=== Name change ===
In August 2021, West applied to court to have his legal name changed from "Kanye Omari West" to "Ye", ];<ref name=":3">{{cite web|last=Tapp|first=Tom|date=October 18, 2021|title=Kanye West Officially Changes His Name To "Ye," With Judge's Approval Today|url=https://deadline.com/2021/10/kanye-changes-name-ye-1234857751/|access-date=October 18, 2021|website=]|language=en-US}}</ref> he cited "personal reasons" for the change.<ref name="NameChangeUSAToday">{{cite web|last=Henderson|first=Cydney|title=It's official: Kanye West legally changes name to Ye for 'personal reasons,' reports say|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/celebrities/2021/10/18/kanye-west-changes-name-ye-personal-reasons/8512169002/|date=October 18, 2021|access-date=October 19, 2021|website=]|language=en-US}}</ref> The request was granted by ], a ] judge, in October 2021.<ref name=":3" /> West had alluded to wishing to change his name since 2018 and had used Ye as a nickname for several years prior,<ref name="NameChangeUSAToday" /> stating in a 2018 interview that he believed "]" ({{IPAc-en|j|iː}}) was the most commonly used word in the Bible:{{efn|In the ], the most commonly used translation of the Christian Bible in the United States, the word that appears the most is not "ye", but rather "Lord" (not counting indefinite articles).<ref>{{cite web|last=Desborough|first=Jenny|title=Why Has Kanye West Changed His Name? Meaning Behind Ye Explained|url=https://www.newsweek.com/why-has-kanye-west-changed-his-name-ye-meaning-explained-1640228|date=October 19, 2021|access-date=October 20, 2021|website=]|language=en-US}}</ref>}} "In the Bible it means 'you'. So, I'm you. I'm us. It's us. It went from being ], which means the only one, to just Ye."<ref name="NameChangeIndy">{{cite news |last=Aubrey |first=Elizabeth |date=October 18, 2021 |title=Kanye West officially changes his name to 'Ye' |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/kanye-west-name-change-ye-real-b1940681.html8512169002/ |url-access=registration |access-date=October 19, 2021 |website=] |language=en-GB}}</ref>

=== Relationships and family ===
====Kim Kardashian====
In April 2012, West began dating reality television star ], with whom he had already been long-time friends.<ref>{{cite web|title=Khloe Kardashian: I Told Kim Kardashian To Date Kanye West "For Years!"|url=https://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/khloe-kardashian-i-told-kim-kardashian-to-date-kanye-west-for-years-201376|work=]|access-date=June 7, 2013|date=June 7, 2013|first=Brittany|last=Galla}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Garibaldi|first=Christina|url=https://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1688065/kim-kardashian-oprah-kanye-west-dating.jhtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120624203411/https://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1688065/kim-kardashian-oprah-kanye-west-dating.jhtml|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 24, 2012|title=Kim Kardashian Explains Why It Took 'So Long' To Date Kanye West|publisher=MTV|date=June 21, 2012|access-date=August 12, 2012}}</ref> West and Kardashian became engaged in October 2013,<ref>{{cite news|title=Kimye forever: Kim Kardashian, Kanye West get engaged|url=https://www.cnn.com/2013/10/22/showbiz/kim-kardashian-kanye-west-engaged/|publisher=CNN|access-date=October 22, 2013|date=October 22, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://ca.eonline.com/news/472716/kim-kardashian-is-engaged-to-kanye-west.com|publisher=E!|title=Kim Kardashian Is Engaged to Kanye West!|first=Natalie|last=Finn|date=October 21, 2013|access-date=October 22, 2013}}</ref> and married at ] in ] in May 2014.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.people.com/article/kim-kardashian-kanye-west-married-wedding-florence-italy|work=People|title=It's Official: Kim Kardashian and Kanye West Are Married|last=Corriston|first=Michelle|date=May 24, 2014|access-date=May 24, 2014}}</ref> Their private ceremony was subject to widespread mainstream coverage, with which West took issue.<ref>Lee, Christina. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200107155602/https://www.idolator.com/7520141/kanye-west-kim-kardashian-wedding-speech |date=January 7, 2020 }} '']''. May 28, 2014.</ref> The couple's high-profile status and respective careers have resulted in their relationship becoming subject to heavy media coverage; ''The New York Times'' referred to their marriage as "a historic blizzard of celebrity".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/04/10/t-magazine/kanye-west-adidas-yeezy-fashion-interview.html?_r=0|title=The Agony and the Ecstasy of Kanye West.|work=]|date=April 10, 2015|last=Caramanica|first=Jon}}</ref>

West and Kardashian have four children: ] (born June 2013),<ref>{{cite web|url=https://people.com/parents/kim-kardashian-kanye-west-welcome-their-baby-girl/|title=Kim Kardashian Is a Mom!|date=June 15, 2013|work=]|access-date=June 15, 2013|first=Dahvi|last=Shira}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://people.com/parents/kim-kardashian-baby-name-revealed/|title=Kim Kardashian's Baby Name: Finally Revealed!|date=June 20, 2013|work=]|access-date=June 21, 2013|first1=Jennifer|last1=Garcia|first2=Rennie|last2=Dyball}}</ref> Saint West (born December 2015),<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://time.com/4139432/kim-kardashian-west-kanye-west-saint-west/|title=The Long History Behind Kim and Kanye's New Baby's Name|access-date=December 8, 2015|date=December 7, 2015|magazine=]|first=Ashley|last=Ross}}</ref> Chicago West (born via ] in January 2018),<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.travelandleisure.com/travel-news/chicago-west-baby-name-kanye-hometown|title=Kim Kardashian's Third Child Is Named After Kanye West's Hometown|work=Travel + Leisure|access-date=January 22, 2018|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Juneau|first1=Jen|title=Kanye and Kim Kardashian West Welcome a Daughter|url=https://people.com/babies/kim-kardashian-kanye-west-welcome-daughter/|website=]|access-date=January 16, 2018|date=January 16, 2018}}</ref> and Psalm West (born via surrogate in May 2019).<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://people.com/parents/kim-kardashian-kanye-west-welcome-son/|title='He's Here!' Kim Kardashian and Kanye West Welcome Son: 'He's Perfect'|magazine=People|first=Jen|last=Juneau|date=May 10, 2019|access-date=May 10, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Bloom |first1=Madison |title=Kanye West and Kim Kardashian Reveal Fourth Child's Name |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/kanye-west-and-kim-kardashian-reveal-fourth-childs-name/ |website=Pitchfork |date=May 17, 2019 |access-date=May 17, 2019}}</ref> In July 2020, during a presidential campaign rally of his, West revealed that he had previously considered abortion during Kardashian's first pregnancy but has since taken anti-abortion views.<ref name=Henderson>{{cite news |last1=Henderson |first1=Cydney |title=Kim Kardashian West officially files for divorce from Kanye West after almost 7 years of marriage |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/celebrities/2021/02/19/kim-kardashian-kanye-west-head-divorce-after-almost-7-years/6556476002/ |access-date=February 21, 2021 |work=] |date=February 19, 2021}}</ref> In April 2015, West and Kardashian traveled to ] to have North baptized in the ] at the ].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.etonline.com/news/166186_kim_kardashian_posts_pics_of_north_west_baptism_on_her_second_birthday|title=Kim Kardashian Shares North West's Baptism Pics on Daughter's Birthday |website=ET Online|first=Jackie|last=Willis|date=June 15, 2015|access-date=December 29, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/celebrity/kim-kardashian-baptises-north-west-on-trip-to-the-middle-east-20150414-1mkfpb.html|title=Kim Kardashian baptises North West on trip to the Middle East|first=Mary|last=Ward|date=April 13, 2015|website=The Sydney Morning Herald}}</ref>

In September 2018, West announced that he would be permanently moving back to Chicago to establish his Yeezy company headquarters there.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-met-kanye-west-moving-chicago-20180918-story.html|title=Kanye West to local high schoolers: 'I'm Moving Back to Chicago'|newspaper=Chicago Tribune|first=Morgan|last=Greene|date=September 19, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.eonline.com/news/969526/kanye-west-says-he-s-moving-back-to-chicago-permanently|title=Kanye West Says He's Moving Back to Chicago Permanently|publisher=E Online!|first=Jess|last=Cohen|date=September 19, 2018}}</ref> This did not actually occur, and West instead went on to purchase two ranches near ], where he recorded his eighth solo studio album, ''Ye''. Kardashian resides with their children in a home that the now-divorced couple owns in California,<ref name=Melas>{{cite news |last1=Melas |first1=Chloe |title=Kim Kardashian and Kanye West discussing divorce |url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/01/06/entertainment/kim-kardashian-kanye-west-divorce-marriage/index.html|date=January 6, 2021 |access-date=January 8, 2021 |work=CNN}}</ref> whereas West moved into a home across the street to continue to be near their children.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://people.com/music/why-kanye-west-bought-house-across-kim-kardashian-nothing-keeps-me-from-my-children/|title=Kanye West on Why He Bought House Across from Kim Kardashian: 'Nothing Is Gonna Keep Me from My Children'|work=People|last1=Wenger|first1=Stephanie|last2=Charles|first2=Marissa}}</ref> In October 2021, West began the process of selling his Wyoming ranch.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://trib.com/news/state-and-regional/kanye-era-comes-to-end-in-cody/article_04a7982e-6a1f-5c85-bcf1-81cfac04b7de.html|title=Kanye era comes to end in Cody|work=Casper Star Tribune|date=November 2, 2021|last=Wolfson|first=Leo|archive-date=January 4, 2024|archive-url=https://archive.today/20240104032354/https://trib.com/news/state-regional/kanye-era-comes-to-end-in-cody/article_04a7982e-6a1f-5c85-bcf1-81cfac04b7de.html}}</ref>

In July 2020, West acknowledged the possibility of Kardashian ending their marriage due to his adoption of anti-abortion views. Later that month, West wrote on Twitter that he had been attempting to divorce Kardashian. He also wrote that the ] was attempting "to lock up".<ref name=Henderson/> In January 2021, ] reported that the couple were discussing divorce.<ref name=Melas/> A month later, Kardashian filed for divorce,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/kim-kardashian-files-divorce-kanye-west-n1258382?cid=sm_npd_nn_tw_ma|title=Kim Kardashian files for divorce from Kanye West|date=February 19, 2021|access-date=February 19, 2021|publisher=]|first=Diana|last=Dasarth}}</ref> with the couple citing "irreconcilable differences", agreeing to joint custody of their children, and declining spousal support from each other.<ref>{{cite news |title=Kim Kardashian and Kanye West agree joint custody after divorce |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-56718074 |access-date=April 13, 2021 |agency=] |date=April 13, 2021}}</ref> The divorce settlement was finalized in November 2022, and West was ordered to pay $200,000 in monthly child support and be responsible for half of the children's medical, educational, and security expenses.<ref name=finalized>{{cite news|url=https://people.com/tv/kim-kardashian-and-kanye-west-finalize-divorce/|title=Kim Kardashian and Kanye West Finalize Divorce, Rapper Must Pay $200K Per Month in Child Support|first=Stephanie|last=Wenger|publisher=People|date=November 29, 2022|accessdate=November 30, 2022}}</ref>

====Other relationships====
West began an ] with the designer Alexis Phifer in 2002, and they became engaged in August 2006. They ended their 18-month engagement in 2008.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1585980/20080421/west_kanye.jhtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080423102506/https://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1585980/20080421/west_kanye.jhtml|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 23, 2008|title=Kanye West's Ex-Fiancee Alexis Phifer Talks About Breakup|date=April 21, 2008|publisher=MTV News|access-date=September 18, 2009}}</ref> Phifer stated that the pair had split amicably and remained friends.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mtv.com/news/tsrnkt/kanye-wests-ex-fiancee-alexis-phifer-talks-about-breakup|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230124220702/https://www.mtv.com/news/tsrnkt/kanye-wests-ex-fiancee-alexis-phifer-talks-about-breakup|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 24, 2023|title=Kanye West's Ex-Fiancee Alexis Phifer Talks About Breakup|date=April 21, 2008|website=]|access-date=January 24, 2023}}</ref> West dated model ] from 2008 until mid-2010.<ref>{{cite web|title=Kanye West Confirms Amber Rose Split|url=https://www.mtv.co.uk/news/kanye-west/234050-kanye-west-confirms-amber-rose-split|work=]|access-date=December 31, 2012|date=August 13, 2010|archive-date=May 26, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130526093736/https://www.mtv.co.uk/news/kanye-west/234050-kanye-west-confirms-amber-rose-split|url-status=dead}}</ref> In an interview following their split, West stated that he had to take "30 showers" before committing to his next relationship with Kim Kardashian.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/amber-rose-apologizes-kim-kardashian-2015-tweet-kanye-west-1235019759/|title=Amber Rose Expresses Regret Over Dissing Kim Kardashian in 2015 Tweet About Kanye West: 'Learn From My Mistakes'|date=January 17, 2022|last=Peters|first=Mitchell|magazine=]|access-date=January 24, 2023}}</ref> In response, Rose stated that she had been "]" and "]" by West throughout their relationship.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/amber-rose-kanye-west-ex-relationship-bullied-no-jumper-b1230978.html|title=Amber Rose says Kanye West has 'bullied' her for 10 years: 'Just move on with your life'|date=October 22, 2022|last=Ritschel|first=Chelsea|website=]|access-date=January 24, 2023}}</ref>

In January 2022, actress ] confirmed in an '']'' essay that she was dating West.<ref>{{cite web|date=January 6, 2022 |first=Glenn |last=Garner|title=Kanye West and Julia Fox Confirm Their Romance and Share Intimate Photos of Lavish Second Date|url=https://people.com/music/julia-fox-kanye-west-and-julia-fox-confirm-their-romance-share-intimate-photos-date/|access-date=January 7, 2022|website=People|language=en}}</ref> West continued to say that he wanted his "family back" and publicly lashed out at Kardashian's new boyfriend, comedian ].<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2022/02/kanye-west-goes-on-civil-war-themed-meme-rampage-against-kid-cudi-billie-eilish-and-pete-davidson-then-deletes-everything |title=Kanye West Goes on Civil War-Themed Meme Rampage Against Kid Cudi, Billie Eilish, and Pete Davidson, Then Deletes Everything |magazine=Vanity Fair |date=February 13, 2022|last=Hoffman|first=Jordan}}</ref> His treatment of Davidson and Kardashian has been described by commentators as harassment and abusive; the ] dropped him as a performer in response to his "concerning online behavior".<ref>{{cite news|access-date=March 22, 2022|title=What's going on with Ye — and why does it matter?|url=https://www.npr.org/2022/03/20/1087783771/whats-going-on-with-ye-and-why-does-it-matter|newspaper=NPR.org}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|access-date=March 22, 2022|title=Kanye West barred from Grammys over 'concerning online behavior'|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2022/mar/19/kanye-west-grammys-performance-barred-online-behavior|date=March 19, 2022|website=The Guardian|first=Edward|last=Helmore}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first1=Jenna|last1=Ryu|access-date=March 22, 2022|title=Kanye West's behavior is 'triggering' for those who have been in Kim Kardashian's shoes|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/health-wellness/2022/03/04/kanye-west-pete-davidson-video-instagram-fans/9357924002/|website=USA Today}}</ref> Less than two months after confirming their relationship, Fox said that she and West had split up but remained on good terms.<ref>{{cite web|date=February 14, 2022 |first=Benjamin |last=VanHoose|title=Julia Fox Splits from Kanye West After Whirlwind Romance: 'I Have Love for Him But I Wasn't in Love'|url=https://people.com/movies/julia-fox-splits-from-kanye-west-after-whirlwind-romance-i-have-love-for-him-but-i-wasnt-in-love/|access-date=February 15, 2022|website=People|language=en}}</ref> She later said that she dated West purely to "give people something to talk about" during the ]<ref>{{cite web|last=Soteriou|first=Stephanie|title=Julia Fox Has Revealed The Bizarre Reason Why She And Kanye West Were So Public With Their Whirlwind Romance Before Their Split|url=https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/stephaniesoteriou/julia-fox-kanye-west-service-celebrity-pandemic|date=February 16, 2022|access-date=February 17, 2022|website=BuzzFeed News|language=en}}</ref> and to "get him off Kim's case".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cohen |first=Rebecca |title=Julia Fox said she dated Kanye West so he would leave ex-wife Kim Kardashian alone |url=https://www.insider.com/julia-fox-dated-kanye-west-leave-kim-kardashian-alone-2022-11 |date=November 21, 2022 |access-date=November 21, 2022|website=] |language=en-US}}</ref>

In January 2023, it was reported that West had informally married Australian architect ], who works for West's Yeezy brand, in a private ceremony in Beverly Hills.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2023/01/kanye-west-married-bianca-censori-yeezy-designer-architect-kim-kardashian-divorce|title=WEDDING BELLS Kanye West Reportedly Marries Yeezy Designer Bianca Censori|magazine=Vanity Fair|date=January 13, 2023|last=Kirkpatrick|first=Emily}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Crock |first=Mary |title=Should Australia let Kanye West in? |url=https://theconversation.com/should-australia-let-kanye-west-in-198498 |access-date=January 27, 2023 |website=The Conversation |date=January 25, 2023 |language=en}}</ref> The ceremony had no legal standing; the couple did not file for a marriage license.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Porterfield |first=Carlie |title=Kanye West Reportedly Married Again—What To Know About Bianca Censori |url= https://www.forbes.com/sites/carlieporterfield/2023/01/13/kanye-west-reportedly-married-again---what-to-know-about-bianca-censori/?sh=2da4e4ec4575 |access-date=March 3, 2023 |website=Forbes |language=en}}</ref> In response to West's subsequent trips to Australia to visit Censori's family, Australian Minister for Education ] commented that West may be denied a ] due to his recent antisemitic remarks. The ]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/australian-minister-says-kanye-west-could-be-denied-entry-2023-01-25/|title=Australian minister says Kanye West could be denied entry|date=January 25, 2023|last=Jackson|first=Lewis|website=]|access-date=February 10, 2023}}</ref> and the ] further argued against granting West entry.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/kanye-west-should-be-denied-entry-into-australia-civil-rights-group-says-1235203506/|title=Kanye West Should Be Refused Entry Into Australia, Country's Anti-Defamation Commission Says|date=January 23, 2023|last=Dalley|first=Hannah|magazine=]|access-date=June 27, 2023}}</ref> In October 2024, ''TMZ'' reported that West and Censori were divorcing.<ref>{{cite news |last=Coleman II |first=C. Vernon |date=2024-10-07 |title=Ye and Bianca Censori Have Been Split Up for Weeks – Report |url=https://www.xxlmag.com/kanye-west-bianca-censori-split-up/ |accessdate=2024-10-21 |website=XXL}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.tmz.com/2024/10/07/kanye-west-bianca-censori-breakup/ |title=Kanye West And Bianca Censori Marriage On The Rocks ... Divorce On The Horizon |publisher=TMZ |date=2024-10-07 |access-date=2024-10-21}}</ref>

=== Legal problems ===
{{Main page|List of Kanye West sampling controversies}}
He has been accused of the extensive use of uncleared samples in his music, leading to numerous lawsuits.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Donahue |first=Bill |date=2024-08-08 |title=How Many Times Has Ye Been Sued Over Sampling? Here's Every Lawsuit |url=https://www.billboard.com/lists/kanye-west-ye-sampling-lawsuits-full-list/ |access-date=2024-08-09 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US}}</ref> In December 2006, ] sued the rapper for trademark infringement of his name and likeness in West's video for "]". Knievel took issue with the "vulgar and offensive" and "sexually charged video" in which West takes on the persona of "Evel Kanyevel" that Knievel claimed damaged his reputation. The suit sought monetary damages and an injunction to stop distribution of the video.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thesmokinggun.com/archive/1212061evel1.html|title=Evel Knievel Sues Kanye West|access-date=June 7, 2007|website=]}}</ref> West's attorneys argued that the music video amounted to satire and therefore was covered under the ]. Days before his death in November 2007, Knievel amicably settled the suit after being paid a visit by West, saying, "I thought he was a wonderful guy and quite a gentleman."<ref>{{cite news|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220511011738/https://usatoday30.usatoday.com/life/music/news/2007-11-27-kanye-knievel_N.htm|archive-date=May 11, 2022|title=Evel Knievel, Kanye West settle lawsuit|url=https://www.usatoday.com/life/music/news/2007-11-27-kanye-knievel_N.htm|work=USA Today|date=November 27, 2007|access-date=November 27, 2007|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2014, after an altercation with a paparazzo at the ], West was sentenced to serve two years' probation for a misdemeanor battery conviction, and was required to attend 24 anger management sessions, perform 250 hours of community service, and pay restitution to the photographer.<ref>{{cite news|last=Duke|first=Alan|title=Kanye West gets probation in paparazzi attack|publisher=CNN|date=March 17, 2014|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2014/03/17/showbiz/kanye-west-plea-deal/|access-date=March 17, 2015}}</ref> A separate civil lawsuit brought by the paparazzo was settled in 2015, a week before it was due for trial.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2015/apr/07/kanye-west-settles-lawsuit-paparazzo|title=Kanye West settles lawsuit with paparazzo over 2013 LA airport attack|date=April 7, 2015|website=]|access-date=January 24, 2023}}</ref> According to ], an appeal to have West's conviction ] from his criminal record was granted by a judge in 2016.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/kanye-west-charge-paparazzi-cleared-from-record-7350471/|title=Kanye West's Charge in Paparazzi Scuffle Cleared From Record: Report|date=May 2, 2016|last=Stutz|first=Colin|magazine=]|access-date=January 24, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/kanye-west-has-clean-criminal-record-after-judge-erases-beating-conviction|title=Kanye West has clean criminal record after judge erases beating conviction|date=December 4, 2016|website=]|access-date=January 24, 2023}}</ref>
On June 29, 2022, a complaint was filed in U.S. District Court in New York claiming copyright infringement due to unauthorized use of a sample on the song "Flowers". The complaint claims that West sampled Marshall Jefferson's 1986 house track "]" without gaining permission or providing compensation.<ref>{{Cite magazine|last=Eggertsen|first=Chris|title=Ye Sued Over Sample Used on 'Donda 2' Track 'Flowers'|url=https://www.billboard.com/pro/kanye-west-sued-donda-2-sample-marshall-jefferson/|date=June 29, 2022|access-date=June 29, 2022|magazine=Billboard}}</ref> In July 2022, West was sued for $416,000 by the fashion rental company the ]. The lawsuit claimed that West had failed to make payments on and return 13 rented pieces.<ref>{{cite web |title=Kanye West sued for not returning 13 'rare pieces' to fashion rental company |url=https://www.geo.tv/latest/426743-kanye-west-sued-for-not-returning-13-rare-pieces-to-fashion-rental-company |access-date=July 8, 2022 |website=Geo.tv |language=en}}</ref>

West was sued for wrongful termination, sexual harassment, and breach of contract by a former assistant in 2024.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Madarang |first1=Charisma |title=Kanye West's Ex-Assistant Accuses Him of Sexual Harassment, Masturbating in Front of Her |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/kanye-west-assistant-sexual-harassment-wrongful-termination-lawsuit-1235032484/ |access-date=4 June 2024 |agency=Rolling Stone}}</ref> West denied the allegation.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/kanye-west-dismisses-sexual-harassment-allegations-against-him-as-baseless-announces-plans-to-countersue-for-sexual-coercion-3762636|title=Kanye West dismisses sexual harassment allegations against him as "baseless", announces plans to countersue for "sexual coercion"|date=June 5, 2024|last=Rigotti|first=Alex|website=]|access-date=June 7, 2024}}</ref> That same year, he was sued by a former model for sexual assault and strangulation. In the lawsuit, she claims that during a music video set, West choked and gagged her in the mouth.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-11-23 |title=Kanye West accused of sexually assaulting and strangling model on music video set, new lawsuit says |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/kanye-west-accused-sexually-assaulting-strangling-model-rcna181479 |access-date=2024-11-24 |website=NBC News |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Green |first=Walden |date=2024-11-23 |title=Kanye West Accused, in New Lawsuit, of Sexual Assault During 2010 Music Video Shoot |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/kanye-west-accused-in-new-lawsuit-of-sexual-assault-during-2010-music-video-shoot/ |access-date=2024-11-25 |website=Pitchfork |language=en-US}}</ref>

=== Religious beliefs ===
After the success of his song "]" from the album '']'', West was asked about his beliefs and said, "I will say that I'm spiritual. I have accepted Jesus as my Savior. And I will say that I fall short every day."<ref>{{cite news|last=Ogunnaike|first=Lola|title=A Trinity of Videos for One Religious Rap|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2004/06/23/arts/a-trinity-of-videos-for-one-religious-rap.html?scp=1&sq=|work=]|date=June 23, 2004|access-date=March 24, 2015}}</ref> In a 2008 interview with '']'', West stated that "I'm like a vessel, and God has chosen me to be the voice and the connector".<ref name="vulturejesus">{{cite web|last1=Lyons|first1=Margaret|title=Does Kanye West Think He's God? Or Has He Given Up on God?|url=https://www.vulture.com/2013/06/does-kanye-west-really-think-hes-god.html|website=]|date=June 19, 2013|access-date=May 1, 2016}}</ref> In a 2009 interview with online magazine ], West stated that he believed in God, but at the time felt that he "would never go into a religion".<ref name="bossip">{{cite web |title=Kanye Discusses Religion |url=https://bossip.com/76535/exclusive-pt-1-kanye-religion-is-like-branding/ |website=] |access-date=May 1, 2016 |url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090211144515/https://bossip.com/76535/exclusive-pt-1-kanye-religion-is-like-branding/|archive-date=February 11, 2009}}</ref> In 2014, West referred to himself as a ] during one of his concerts.<ref>{{cite web|first1=Gabby|last1=Bess|title=Kanye West Proclaims: "I'm a Married, Christian Man!"|url=https://www.papermag.com/kanye-west-proclaims-im-a-married-christian-man-1427407473.html|website=]|date=September 16, 2014|access-date=November 11, 2017}}</ref> Kim Kardashian stated in September 2019: "He has had an amazing evolution of being ] and being saved by Christ."<ref name="Conner2019">{{cite web |last1=Conner |first1=Paul |title=Kanye West quits secular music, says he'll make only gospel music: report |url=https://www.foxbusiness.com/lifestyle/kanye-west-no-more-secular-music-only-gospel |publisher=] |access-date=October 28, 2019 |language=en |date=September 30, 2019}}</ref> In October 2019, West said with respect to his past, "When I was trying to serve multiple gods it drove me crazy" in reference to the "god of ego, god of money, god of pride, the god of fame",<ref name="Gibson2019">{{cite web |last1=Gibson |first1=Charity |title=Kanye West drops album 'Jesus is King' on streaming services |url=https://www.christianpost.com/news/kanye-west-drops-album-jesus-is-king-on-streaming-services.html |work=] |date=October 25, 2019 |access-date=October 29, 2019}}</ref> and that "I didn't even know what it meant to be saved" and that now "I love Jesus Christ. I love Christianity."<ref name="Schaffstall" />

===Politics===
{{See also|Views of Kanye West}}
In September 2012, West donated $1,000 to ]'s ], and in August 2015 he donated $2,700 to ]'s ]. He also donated $15,000 to the ] in October 2014.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fec.gov/data/receipts/individual-contributions/?contributor_name=Kanye+West&two_year_transaction_period=2020&two_year_transaction_period=2018&two_year_transaction_period=2016&two_year_transaction_period=2014&two_year_transaction_period=2012&two_year_transaction_period=2010&two_year_transaction_period=2008&two_year_transaction_period=2006&two_year_transaction_period=2004&two_year_transaction_period=2002&two_year_transaction_period=2000&two_year_transaction_period=1998&two_year_transaction_period=1996&two_year_transaction_period=1994&two_year_transaction_period=1992&two_year_transaction_period=1990&two_year_transaction_period=1988&two_year_transaction_period=1986&min_date=01%2F01%2F1968&max_date=12%2F31%2F2020|title=Individual contributions
|publisher=]|access-date=August 29, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thefader.com/2016/11/18/kanye-west-donated-to-hillary-clinton-democratic-party|title=Kanye West Donated Over $2,000 To Hillary Clinton's Campaign In 2015|publisher=The Fader|author=Dandridge-Lemco, Ben|date=November 18, 2016|access-date=August 29, 2020}}</ref> In December 2016, West met with ] Donald Trump to discuss bullying, supporting teachers, modernizing curriculums, and ].<ref>{{cite news|last1=Lawler|first1=Kelly|title=Kanye West visits Trump Tower|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/people/2016/12/13/kanye-west-trump-tower-donald-trump/95368076/|access-date=December 13, 2016|work=USA Today|date=December 13, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Kanye West Says He Discussed 'Multicultural Issues' With Trump|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/kanye-west-meets-donald-trump-york/story?id=44162912|access-date=December 14, 2016|publisher=ABC News|date=December 13, 2016}}</ref> West subsequently stated he would have voted for Trump had he voted.<ref>{{cite news|title=Kanye West: I didn't vote but if I did, 'I would have voted for Trump'|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2016/11/18/entertainment/kanye-west-donald-trump-trnd/|access-date=December 13, 2016|work=USA Today|date=November 18, 2016}}</ref> In February 2017, however, West deleted all his tweets about Trump in purported dislike of the new president's policies, particularly the ].<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.slate.com/blogs/browbeat/2017/02/06/kanye_west_has_deleted_his_tweets_about_donald_trump.html|title=Kanye West Has Deleted His Pro-Trump Tweets|last=Canfield|first=David|magazine=Slate|date=February 6, 2017|access-date=February 7, 2017}}</ref> West reiterated his support for Donald Trump in April 2018.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.complex.com/music/2018/04/ebro-darden-says-kanye-west-told-him-he-loves-donald-trump|title=Kanye West to Hot 97's Ebro: 'I Love Donald Trump'|website=Complex|language=en|access-date=April 23, 2018}}</ref> In October 2018, West donated to ] Chicago mayoral candidate ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.msn.com/en-us/music/celebrity/kanye-west-donates-dollar73k-to-progressive-chicago-mayoral-candidate-amara-enyia/ar-BBONUT9|title=Kanye West Donates $73K to Progressive Chicago Mayoral Candidate Amara Enyia|website=MSN |language=en-US|access-date=October 25, 2018}}</ref>

On June 29, 2024, he arrived in ], Russia to celebrate the 40th birthday of Russian fashion designer ].<ref>{{cite news |title=Did Kanye West visit Russia? Here's what we know |url=https://www.salon.com/2024/07/01/did-kanye-west-visit-russia-heres-what-we-know/ |work=Salon |date=July 1, 2024}}</ref> West was labeled an "enemy of Ukraine" after his trip to Moscow.<ref>{{cite news |title=Kanye West Labeled "Enemy Of Ukraine" Following Moscow Visit Amid Ongoing War |url=https://www.vibe.com/news/entertainment/kanye-west-enemy-ukraine-moscow-visit-ongoing-war-1234891156/ |work=] |date=July 2, 2024}}</ref>

=== Mental health ===
On November 19, 2016, West abruptly ended a concert<ref>{{cite web|url=https://consequence.net/2016/11/kanye-west-says-jay-z-has-hitmen-please-dont-send-them-at-my-head/|title=Kanye West says Jay Z has hitmen: "Please don't send them at my head"|date=November 20, 2016|work=]|access-date=November 26, 2016}}</ref> before being committed at the recommendation of authorities to the ] with hallucinations and paranoia.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-kanye-west-police-20161123-story.html|title=Authorities spent 2 hours persuading West to be hospitalized, sources say|last=Winton|first=Richard|newspaper=]|date=November 24, 2016|access-date=November 24, 2016}}</ref> While the episode was first described as one of "temporary psychosis" caused by dehydration and sleep deprivation, West's mental state was abnormal enough for his 21 cancelled concerts to be covered by his insurance policy.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.xxlmag.com/news/2016/11/kanye-west-remain-hospital/|title=Kanye West Will Remain in the Hospital for Now|last=Weinstein|first=Max|magazine=]|date=November 24, 2016|access-date=November 24, 2016}}</ref> He was reportedly paranoid and depressed throughout the hospitalization,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/kanye-west-paranoid-depressed-amid-hospitalization-report-w452420|title=Kanye West Is Paranoid and Depressed as He Remains Hospitalized: Report|last=Hautman|first=Nicholas|work=]|date=November 26, 2015|access-date=November 27, 2016}}</ref> but remained formally undiagnosed.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.etonline.com/news/203716_kanye_west_remains_hospitalized_and_undiagnosed_kim_kardashian_supportive/ |title=Kanye West Still Hospitalized and Undiagnosed, Kim Kardashian Remains 'by His Side 24/7' |last=Bueno |first=Antoinette |work=] |date=November 28, 2016 |access-date=November 29, 2016}}</ref> Some have speculated that the ] may have triggered the paranoia.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.msn.com/en-us/music/celebrity/exclusive-kanye-west-suffered-paranoia-before-hospitalization-was-unsettled-by-kim-kardashian-robbery/ar-AAkRPq8?ocid=ansmsnnews11 |title=Kanye West Suffered 'Paranoia' Before Hospitalization, Was 'Unsettled' by Kim Kardashian Robbery |last=Schillaci |first=Sophie |work=] |date=November 29, 2016 |access-date=November 30, 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161201080359/https://www.msn.com/en-us/music/celebrity/exclusive-kanye-west-suffered-paranoia-before-hospitalization-was-unsettled-by-kim-kardashian-robbery/ar-AAkRPq8?ocid=ansmsnnews11 |archive-date=December 1, 2016}}</ref> On November 30, West was released from the hospital.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.cnn.com/2016/11/30/entertainment/kanye-west-released-from-hospital/|title=Kanye West released from the hospital|last=Melas|first=Chloe|work=]|date=November 30, 2016|access-date=November 30, 2016}}</ref>

In his song "FML" and his featured verse on ]'s song "U Mad", he refers to using the antidepressant medication ], and in his unreleased song "I Feel Like That", he mentions feeling many common symptoms of depression and anxiety.<ref>{{cite web|first=Ryan |last=Bassil|url=https://noisey.vice.com/en_uk/article/yvwbv7/one-of-the-most-powerful-kanye-west-songs-is-one-youve-probably-not-heard|title=One of the Most Powerful Kanye West Songs is One You've Probably Not Heard|work=]|date=October 20, 2016}}</ref> In a 2018 interview, West said that he had become addicted to ]s when they were prescribed to him after ]. The addiction may have contributed to his nervous breakdown in 2016.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.stereogum.com/1994280/kanye-tells-tmz-he-got-liposuction/video/ |title=Kanye Tells TMZ He Got Addicted To Opioids After Liposuction |last=Claymore |first=Gabriela Tully |date=May 1, 2018 |work=Stereogum |access-date=May 1, 2018}}</ref> In addition to his opioid addiction,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kanye West sounds off on slavery, his opioid addiction and Trump |website=] |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/uk-people-kanye-west-idUKKBN1I24JE/}}</ref> West has stated that he has had addictions to alcohol,<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 15, 2020 |title=Kanye West says he was a 'functioning alcoholic' and drank vodka in the morning |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/kanye-west-alcoholic-addiction-vodka-trump-interview-a9467531.html |access-date=December 16, 2023 |website=The Independent |language=en}}</ref> sex,<ref>{{Cite news |date=October 25, 2019 |title=Kanye West: 'I'm the greatest artist of all time' |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-50178788 |access-date=December 16, 2023}}</ref> and pornography.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Ogunnaike |first=Lola |date=February 9, 2006 |title=The Passion of Kanye West |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/the-passion-of-kanye-west-71551/ |access-date=December 16, 2023 |magazine=Rolling Stone |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |last1=Roundtree |first1=Matt Sullivan, Cheyenne |last2=Sullivan |first2=Matt |last3=Roundtree |first3=Cheyenne |date=November 24, 2022 |title=Kanye West Used Porn, Bullying, 'Mind Games' to Control Staff |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/kanye-west-yeezy-porn-bullying-kim-kardashian-1234635221/ |access-date=December 16, 2023 |magazine=Rolling Stone |language=en-US}}</ref> West said that he often has ].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2018/06/26/entertainment/kanye-west-new-york-times-interview/index.html|title=Kanye West: 'I've thought about killing myself all the time'|first=Lisa |last=Respers France|website=]|date=June 26, 2018|access-date=June 26, 2018}}</ref> West was diagnosed with ] in 2016,<ref>{{Cite web |date=July 29, 2020 |title=Kim Kardashian West Is Right. We Need To Confront The Stigma Around Bipolar Disorder |url=https://www.vogue.co.uk/beauty/article/bipolar-disorder-kanye-west |access-date=October 26, 2022 |website=] |language=en-GB}}</ref> though his diagnosis was not made public until his 2018 album ''Ye.''<ref>{{Cite web |last=Millard |first=Anna |title=Kanye West Opens Up About Being Bipolar & Mental Health In The U.S. |url=https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/2018/06/200784/kanye-west-bipolar-diagnosis-ye |access-date=October 26, 2022 |website=r] |language=en}}</ref> He told ] that it was a ].<ref>{{Cite web |first=Abby|last=Haglage|title=Kanye West says he was misdiagnosed with bipolar disorder: 'I had sleep deprivation' |url=https://www.yahoo.com/now/kanye-west-says-misdiagnosed-bipolar-disorder-sleep-deprivation-000405518.html |date=October 11, 2018|access-date=October 26, 2022 |website=] |language=en-US}}</ref> He had reportedly accepted the diagnosis again by 2019,<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 10, 2019 |title=The Awakening of Kim Kardashian West |url=https://www.vogue.com/article/kim-kardashian-west-cover-may-2019 |access-date=October 26, 2022 |website=] |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Helen|last=Murphy|date=May 28, 2019|title=Kanye West Gets Candid About His Bipolar Diagnosis, Says at One Point He Had to Be Handcuffed |url=https://people.com/music/kanye-west-opens-up-about-bipolar-diagnosis-episode-handcuffed/ |work=]}}</ref> but again suggested that it had been a misdiagnosis in 2022.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last1=Kaufman |first1=Gil |date=October 25, 2022 |title=Kanye West Claims '50% of Black People' Die Due to Abortion, Blames 'Jewish Record Labels' |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/kanye-west-false-abortion-claims-jewish-record-labels-1235160708/ |access-date=October 26, 2022 |magazine=] |language=en-US}}</ref> In December 2022, he suggested that he may be ].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/celebrity-life/kanye-west-says-hes-not-bipolar-but-might-be-slightly-autistic/news-story/26fa43a462aff5874baddf7e4a641897 |title=Kanye West says he's not 'bipolar' but might be 'slightly autistic' |date=December 13, 2022 |work=News.com.au |first=Belinda |last=Palmada}}</ref>

In August 2024, West's former Chief of Staff ] stated in an affidavit filed to the ] that West was addicted to ].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Lavine |first=Owen |date=2024-08-08 |title=Celebrity Dentist Got Kanye Hooked on Laughing Gas, Milo Yiannopoulos Claims |url=https://www.thedailybeast.com/milo-yiannopoulos-celebrity-dentist-gave-ye-brain-damage |access-date=2024-09-27 |work=The Daily Beast |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=William Cowen |first=Trace |date=August 8, 2024 |title=Who Is the Muscular Celebrity Dentist Accused of Getting Ye 'Hooked' on Laughing Gas? |url=https://www.complex.com/style/a/tracewilliamcowen/kanye-celeb-dentist-laughing-gas |access-date=2024-09-27 |website=Complex |language=en}}</ref> He alleged that dentist ], who installed permanent titanium prosthodontics for West in January 2024, had moved into West's apartment building and was charging him $50,000 a month to supply the drugs.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Griffin |first=Marc |date=2024-08-08 |title=Kanye West's Ex-Chief Of Staff Alleges The Rapper Is Addicted To Nitrous Oxide |url=https://www.vibe.com/news/entertainment/kanye-west-chief-of-staff-nitrous-oxide-1234903939/ |access-date=2024-09-27 |website=] |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Norton |first=Taylor |date=2024-08-15 |title=Exposed: Kanye West's Former Staffer Unveils Texts in Which Rapper Requests Recreational Nitrous Gas From Celebrity Dentist |url=https://okmagazine.com/p/kanye-west-staffer-texts-requests-recreational-nitrous-gas-dentist/ |access-date=2024-09-27 |website=] |language=en-US}}</ref>

== Musical impact ==
West is among the most critically acclaimed popular music artists of the 21st century, earning praise from music critics, industry peers, and cultural figures.<ref name="The Perfectionism of Kanye West">{{cite web|author=Bisnoff, Jason|date=November 19, 2018|title=The Perfectionism of Kanye West|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/jasonbisnoff/2018/11/19/the-perfectionism-of-kanye-west/|access-date=November 25, 2018|website=]}}</ref><ref name="The enigma of Kanye West—and how the world's biggest pop star ended up being its most reviled, too">{{cite news|last=Westhoff|first=Ben|date=June 25, 2015|title=The enigma of Kanye West—and how the world's biggest pop star ended up being its most reviled, too|work=The Guardian|location=London|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2015/jun/25/kanye-west-glastonbury-festival-2015-worlds-biggest-pop-star|access-date=February 13, 2016}}</ref> In 2014, '']'' named him the third most influential artist in music.<ref name=":1">{{cite magazine|title=NME's 100 Most Influential Artists: 50—1|url=https://www.nme.com/photos/nme-s-100-most-influential-artists-50-1-1411863|magazine=NME|access-date=June 30, 2014}}</ref> '']'' senior editor Alex Gale declared West "absolutely one of the best, and you could make the argument for the best artist of the 21st century."<ref name="Ryan" /> Sharing similar sentiments, Dave Bry of '']'' called West the twenty-first century's "most important artist of any art form, of any genre."<ref name="complex">{{cite web|last1=Bry|first1=Dave|title=Kanye West Is the Most Important Artist of the 21st Century|url=https://www.complex.com/music/2013/06/kanye-west-is-the-most-important-artist-of-the-21st-century|website=]|access-date=June 26, 2016}}</ref> '']'' writer ] commented, "Kanye's power resides in his wild creativity and expressiveness, his mastery of form, and his deep and uncompromising attachment to a self-made aesthetic that he expresses through means that are entirely of the moment: rap music, ], fashion, Twitter, blogs, ] video."<ref name="theatlantic">{{cite web|title=Kanye West, American Mozart|url=https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2012/05/american-mozart/308931/|website=]|date=April 2, 2012|access-date=June 26, 2016}}</ref> Joe Muggs of '']'' argued that "there is nobody else who can sell as many records as West does while remaining so resolutely experimental and capable of stirring things up culturally and politically."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/musicblog/2016/jan/19/kanye-west-david-bowie-covers-album|title=Kanye West wants to cover David Bowie—and there is no one more fitting|work=The Guardian|location=London|first=Joe|last=Muggs|date=January 19, 2016|access-date=February 15, 2016}}</ref>

'']'' credited West with transforming hip-hop's mainstream, "establishing a style of introspective yet glossy rap" while deeming him "a producer who created a signature sound and then abandoned it to his imitators, a flashy, free-spending sybarite with insightful things to say about college, culture, and economics, an egomaniac with more than enough artistic firepower to back it up."<ref name="RSguide">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/artists/kanye-west/albumguide|title=Kanye West: Album Guide|magazine=Rolling Stone|access-date=August 5, 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111205044352/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/artists/kanye-west/albumguide|archive-date=December 5, 2011}}</ref> Writing for '']'', Shahzaib Hussain stated that West's first three albums "cemented his role as a ] progenitor".<ref>{{cite web|last=Hussain|first=Shahzaib|date=November 23, 2008|url=https://www.highsnobiety.com/p/kanye-west-808s-heartbreak-10th-anniversary/|title=Renegade Man: The Legacy of Kanye West's '808s & Heartbreak'|website=]|access-date=July 16, 2021}}</ref> '']'' editor Jason Birchmeier described West as " certain stereotypes about rappers, becoming a superstar on his own terms without adapting his appearance, his rhetoric, or his music to fit any one musical mold".<ref name="amg" /> Lawrence Burney of '']'' has credited West with the commercial decline of the ] genre that once dominated mainstream hip-hop.<ref name="Burney">{{cite news |author=Burney, Lawrence|title=Kanye West's 'Graduation' Gave Birth to Rap's First Real Rock Star|url=https://noisey.vice.com/en_ca/article/nee8bk/kanye-wests-graduation-gave-birth-to-raps-first-real-rock-star|work=] |publisher=]|date=September 11, 2017 |access-date=September 12, 2017}}</ref> The release of ] has been described as a turning point in the music industry,<ref>{{cite web |author=Callahan-Bever, Noah |url=https://www.complex.com/music/2015/09/the-day-kanye-west-killed-gangsta-rap |title=The Day Kanye West Killed Gangsta Rap |work=] |date=September 11, 2015 |access-date=February 17, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160219210754/https://www.complex.com/music/2015/09/the-day-kanye-west-killed-gangsta-rap |archive-date=February 19, 2016}}</ref> and is considered to have helped pave the way for new rappers who did not follow the ]-] mold to find wider mainstream acceptance.<ref name="Lamarre">{{cite magazine |author=Lamarre, Carl|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/7957970/kanye-west-graduation-10-year-anniversary-vic-mensa-kyle| title=Vic Mensa, KYLE, A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie & More Reflect on Their Fondest Memories of Kanye's 'Graduation' Album|magazine=Billboard|date=September 11, 2017|access-date=June 24, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Christgau|first=Robert|author-link=Robert Christgau|url=https://www.robertchristgau.com/xg/cg/cg2007-10.php|title=Consumer Guide|work=]|date=October 2007|access-date=October 6, 2009|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081104031415/https://www.robertchristgau.com/xg/cg/cg2007-10.php|archive-date=November 4, 2008}}</ref><ref name="Theisen, Adam">{{cite news|author=Theisen, Adam|title=Rap's Latest Heavyweight Championship|url=https://www.michigandaily.com/arts/02adam-theisen-kanye-west-kendrick-lamar19|work=]|publisher=The Michigan Daily|date=February 18, 2015|access-date=May 8, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150713031219/https://www.michigandaily.com/arts/02adam-theisen-kanye-west-kendrick-lamar19|archive-date=July 13, 2015}}</ref>

Hip-hop artists like ],<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1612262/drake-kanye-west-shaped-lot-what-i-do.jhtml|title=Drake Says Kanye West Is 'The Most Influential Person' On His Sound|publisher=MTV News|date=May 28, 2009|archive-url=https://archive.today/20131001203439/https://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1612262/drake-kanye-west-shaped-lot-what-i-do.jhtml#selection-2549.108-2549.127|archive-date=October 1, 2013}}</ref> ],<ref>{{cite web |last=Banks |first=Thembi |url=https://www.essence.com/2010/12/03/nicki-minaj-pink-friday-criticism-image-success/ |title=Nicki Minaj on Image, Criticism, and Success|work=Essence|date=December 3, 2010|access-date=February 23, 2016}}</ref> ],<ref>{{cite web |date=August 1, 2018 |title=Op-Ed {{!}} How Did Travis Scott Become One of Music's Most Divisive Artists? |url=https://www.highsnobiety.com/p/travis-scott-divisive-artist/ |access-date=August 26, 2022 |website=Highsnobiety |language=en}}</ref> ],<ref>{{Cite web |last=F |first=Matt |date=2017-06-27 |title=Playboi Carti Talks Influences, Advice For Aspiring Rappers |url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/476793-playboi-carti-talks-influences-advice-for-aspiring-rappers-in-new-interview-news |access-date=2024-10-05 |website=HotNewHipHop |language=en}}</ref> ],<ref>{{cite web |last1=Diep |first1=Eric |title=Next Wave: Meet Lil Uzi Vert, the Next Phenom in Rap |url=https://www.complex.com/music/2016/01/next-wave-meet-lil-uzi-vert-the-next-phenom-in-rap |work=] |date=January 20, 2016 |access-date=April 6, 2016 |archive-date=June 2, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160602032044/https://www.complex.com/music/2016/01/next-wave-meet-lil-uzi-vert-the-next-phenom-in-rap |url-status=dead }}</ref> and ]<ref>{{cite web |date=August 9, 2017 |title=Chance The Rapper Discusses Kanye West Influence With Stretch & Bobbito |url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/chance-the-rapper-discusses-kanye-west-influence-with-stretch-and-bobbito-news.36082.html |access-date=August 26, 2022 |website=HotNewHipHop |language=en}}</ref> have acknowledged being influenced by West. Several other artists and music groups of various genres have named West as an influence on their work.{{refn|group=lower-alpha|Musical artists and groups naming West as an influence:
{{columns-list|colwidth=20em|
*]<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.16384/title.casey-veggies-speaks-on-influences-names-kanye-west-nas|title=Casey Veggies Speaks on Influences, Names Kanye West & Nas|magazine=HipHopDX|date=August 10, 2011}}</ref>
*]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.adele.tv/blog/160/i-m-very-excited-nervous-eager-anxious-but-chuffed-to-announce-my-new-album|title=Adele: I'm very excited, nervous, eager, anxious but chuffed to announce my new album!|last1=Adkins|first1=Adele|date=November 1, 2010|publisher=Adele.tv. ]|access-date=April 24, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110424094802/https://www.adele.tv/blog/160/i-m-very-excited-nervous-eager-anxious-but-chuffed-to-announce-my-new-album|archive-date=April 24, 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref>
*]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/lily-allen/77326|title=Lily Allen: 'Kanye West amused by 'Sheezus' album title'|date=May 15, 2014|work=NME|access-date=November 22, 2016}}</ref>
*]<ref name="Green">{{cite web|url=https://mixmag.net/feature/get-to-know-daniel-caesar-the-toronto-born-artist-baring-his-soul-on-gospel-tinged-rnb|title=Get to know Daniel Caesar, the artist baring his soul on gospel-tinged r'n'b|website=Mixmag}}</ref>
*]<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/6304100/lorde-billboard-cover-story|title=Billboard Cover: Lorde on Her 'Hero' Kanye West, the 'Hunger Games' Soundtrack and Hype-Proofing Her Career|magazine=Billboard|date=October 31, 2014|access-date=November 22, 2016}}</ref>
*]<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=March 18, 2022 |title=Rosalía Levels Up as a Global Pop Superstar |url=https://www.newyorker.com/culture/culture-desk/rosalia-levels-up-as-a-global-pop-superstar |access-date=April 8, 2022 |magazine=The New Yorker |language=en-US}}</ref>
*]<ref>{{cite web|first=Matt|last=Pais|title=Honesty is the best policy for rising star Halsey|url=https://www.redeyechicago.com/music/redeye-halsey-interview-20150320-story.html|work=]|date=March 24, 2015|access-date=February 11, 2016}}</ref>
*]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://k-punk.abstractdynamics.org/archives/007478.html|title=k-punk: Their own musical hero|work=abstractdynamics.org|access-date=November 22, 2016}}</ref>
*]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gigwise.com/news/87320/kasabian-our-new-albums-influenced-by-nirvana-+-kanye-west|title=Kasabian: 'Our new album's influenced by Nirvana + Kanye West'|last=Trendell|first=Andrew|publisher=gigwise.com}}</ref>
*]<ref>{{cite magazine|first=Chino|last=Moreno|url=https://www.nme.com/news/mgmt/49400|title=MGMT's new album influenced by Lady Gaga and Kanye West|date=January 25, 2010|magazine=]|access-date=July 6, 2015}}</ref>
*]<ref>{{cite magazine|first=Insanul|last=Ahmed|url=https://www.complex.com/music/2013/04/even-the-yeah-yeah-yeahs-love-kanye-west|title=Even The Yeah Yeah Yeahs Love Kanye West|date=April 4, 2013|magazine=]|access-date=March 23, 2016}}</ref>
*]<ref>{{cite magazine| url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/fall-out-boy-new-album-interview-extreme-politics-donald-trump-2061897| last=Trendell| first=Andrew| title=Fall Out Boy discuss 'extreme' new single 'Young And Menace' and their 'political' new album 'M A N I A'| magazine=]| date=April 28, 2017| access-date=June 16, 2018}}</ref>
*]<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/kanye-wants-james-blake-for-next-album-20140221|title=Kanye Wants James Blake for Next Album|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=February 21, 2014|access-date=November 22, 2016|archive-date=April 13, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140413022435/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/kanye-wants-james-blake-for-next-album-20140221|url-status=dead}}</ref>
*]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dazeddigital.com/music/article/17341/1/oneohtrix-point-never|title=Oneohtrix Point Never|last=Dazed|date=September 25, 2013|work=dazeddigital.com|access-date=November 22, 2016}}</ref>
*]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://pitchfork.com/news/62672-tim-hecker-announces-new-album-love-streams/|title=Tim Hecker Announces New Album Love Streams |work=Pitchfork |date=January 27, 2016 |access-date=November 22, 2016}}</ref>
*]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rakim Speaks On Kanye West's Influence On Hip-Hop |url=https://www.complex.com/music/2012/04/rakim-speaks-on-kanye-wests-influence-in-hip-hop |access-date=December 14, 2022 |website=Complex |language=en}}</ref>
*]<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 2, 2021 |title=John Legend details Kanye West's influence in popularizing his stage name |url=https://www.yardbarker.com/entertainment/articles/john_legend_details_kanye_wests_influence_in_popularizing_his_stage_name/s1_13132_34245608 |access-date=December 14, 2022 |website=Yardbarker |language=en}}</ref>
}} <!--End columns-list -->
}} <!--End note -->

== Awards and achievements ==
{{Main|List of awards and nominations received by Kanye West}}
West is the fourth-] by digital singles (69&nbsp;million).<ref name="Top Artists (Digital Singles)">{{cite web|title=Top Artists (Digital Singles)|url=https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=top_tallies&ttt=TAS#search_section|access-date=November 22, 2019|publisher=RIAA}}</ref> He had the most ] digital song certifications by a male artist in the 2000s (19),<ref name="RIAA Tallies The Decade's Top Gold & Platinum Award Winners">{{cite web|date=February 17, 2010|title=RIAA Tallies The Decade's Top Gold & Platinum Award Winners|url=https://www.riaa.com/newsitem.php?id=C91C40E1-A65A-0F81-EBB3-8FE3B7C0ECEA|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100221175541/https://www.riaa.com/newsitem.php?id=C91C40E1-A65A-0F81-EBB3-8FE3B7C0ECEA|archive-date=February 21, 2010|access-date=November 23, 2019|publisher=RIAA}}</ref> and was the fourth best-selling digital songs artist of the 2000s in the U.S.<ref>{{cite web |title=2009 U.S. Music Purchases up 2.1% over 2008; Music Sales Exceed 1.5 Billion for Second Consecutive Year |url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20100106007077/en/2009-U.S.-Music-Purchases-2.1-2008-Music |website=Business Wire |access-date=November 26, 2019 |date=January 6, 2010}}</ref> In ]'s first ten years from 2008 to 2018, West was the sixth most streamed artist, and the fourth fastest artist to reach one billion streams.<ref>{{cite web |title=Celebrating a Decade of Discovery on Spotify |url=https://newsroom.spotify.com/2018-10-10/celebrating-a-decade-of-discovery-on-spotify/ |website=Spotify |access-date=November 23, 2019 |date=October 10, 2018}}</ref> West has the joint-most consecutive studio album to debut at number one on the ] (9).<ref>{{cite web |author1=Elizabeth Wolfe and Braden Goyette |title=Kanye West's 'Jesus Is King' just became his ninth consecutive No. 1 album, tying Eminem's record |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2019/11/03/entertainment/kanye-west-jesus-is-king-billboard-number-1-trnd/index.html |publisher=CNN |access-date=November 23, 2019 |date=November 4, 2019}}</ref> He ranked third on '']''{{'}}s 2000s decade-end list of top producers<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Decade End Charts—Hot 100 Producers |url=https://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/charts/decadeendcharts/chart_display.jsp?&f=Hot+100+Producers&g=Decade-end+Producers |magazine=Billboard |access-date=November 27, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100213153733/https://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/charts/decadeendcharts/chart_display.jsp?&f=Hot+100+Producers&g=Decade-end+Producers |archive-date=February 13, 2010}}</ref> and has topped the annual ] critics' poll the joint-most times (four albums) with ].<ref>{{cite web |last1=McManus |first1=Brian |title=For the Fourth Time in Six Albums, Kanye West Takes the Top Pazz & Jop Prize |url=https://www.villagevoice.com/music/for-the-fourth-time-in-six-albums-kanye-west-takes-the-top-pazz-and-jop-prize-6640110 |website=Village Voice |access-date=November 27, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170211013232/https://www.villagevoice.com/music/for-the-fourth-time-in-six-albums-kanye-west-takes-the-top-pazz-and-jop-prize-6640110 |archive-date=February 11, 2017 |date=January 15, 2014}}</ref>

West has been nominated for 75 ], out of which he has won 24.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.xxlmag.com/rappers-most-grammy-nominations-never-won/|title=These Rappers Have The Most Grammy Nominations But Never Won|date=April 3, 2022|last=Coleman II|first=C. Vernon|website=]|access-date=March 7, 2023}}</ref> He has been the most nominated act at five ceremonies,<ref>{{cite news|title=Kanye West Leads Grammy Nominees|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/65368/kanye-west-leads-grammy-nominees|access-date=December 7, 2004|magazine=Billboard}}<br />{{cite news|title=Mariah Carey, Kanye West, John Legend Lead Grammy Nominees|url=https://www.mtv.com/news/1517699/mariah-carey-kanye-west-john-legend-lead-grammy-nominees/|access-date=December 8, 2004|publisher=MTV|archive-date=October 27, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171027224100/https://www.mtv.com/news/1517699/mariah-carey-kanye-west-john-legend-lead-grammy-nominees/|url-status=dead}}<br />{{cite news|title=Kanye West Leads 50th GRAMMY Nominees|url=https://www.grammy.com/recording-academy/news/kanye-west-leads-50th-grammy-nominees|access-date=May 15, 2017|publisher=Grammy}}<br />{{cite news|title=Grammys 2011: Kanye, Adele, Foo Fighters Lead Nominations|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/grammys-2011-kanye-adele-foo-fighters-lead-nominations/story?id=15062166|access-date=December 1, 2011|publisher=ABC News}}<br />{{cite news|title=Frank Ocean, fun. Lead 2013 Grammy Nominations With Album of the Year Nods|url=https://www.spin.com/2012/12/frank-ocean-fun-2013-grammy-nominations/|access-date=December 6, 2012|publisher=Spin}}</ref> and has received the fourth-most wins overall in the 2000s.<ref>{{cite web|title=Beyoncé to U2: The top 4 GRAMMY winners of the 2000s|url=https://www.grammy.com/grammys/news/beyoncé-u2-top-4-grammy-winners-2000s|website=Grammy|access-date=November 13, 2017}}</ref> In 2008, West became the first solo artist to have his first three albums receive nominations for ].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Montgomery |first1=Daniel |title=Will Lady Gaga ('A Star is Born') win her first Album of the Year Grammy on her 4th try? |url=https://www.goldderby.com/article/2019/lady-gaga-a-star-is-born-grammys-album-of-the-year-news/ |website=Goldderby |access-date=November 23, 2019 |date=June 21, 2019}}</ref> West has won a ] for Artist of the Year,<ref>{{cite web|title=Artist of the Year—Kanye West|url=https://webbyawards.com:80/winners/2016/special-achievement/artist-of-the-year/kanye-west/|access-date=December 20, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161120180244/https://webbyawards.com/winners/2016/special-achievement/artist-of-the-year/kanye-west/|archive-date=November 20, 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> an Accessories Council Excellence Award for being a stylemaker,<ref>{{cite web |title=2010 ACE Awards Presented By The Accessories Council—Red Carpet |url=https://www.zimbio.com/photos/Kanye+West/2010+ACE+Awards+Presented+Accessories+Council/TyUHWms6pZB |website=Zimbio |access-date=November 26, 2019 |date=October 31, 2010}}</ref> International Man of the Year at the ''] Awards'',<ref>{{cite web |title=Kanye West Named International Man of the Year at GQ Awards |url=https://www.xxlmag.com/xxl-magazine/2007/09/kanye-west-named-international-man-of-the-year-at-gq-awards/ |website=XXL |access-date=November 26, 2019 |date=September 4, 2007}}</ref> a ] for ''The Life of Pablo Album'' Experience,<ref>{{cite news |title=Kanye West—The Life Of Pablo Album Experience |url=https://clios.com/music/winner/integrated-campaign/kanye-west/kanye-west-the-life-of-pablo-album-experience-31291 |website=Clios |access-date=November 26, 2019}}</ref> and an honour by ].<ref>{{cite web |date=October 11, 2007 |title=The Recording Academy Honors 2007 |url=https://www.unratedmagazine.com/articles/Archive/2007/NARAS_071111.cfm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191126033444/https://www.unratedmagazine.com/articles/Archive/2007/NARAS_071111.cfm |archive-date=November 26, 2019 |access-date=November 26, 2019 |website=Unrated Magazine}}</ref> West is one of eight acts to have won the ].<ref>{{cite web |title=Who Has Won the Artist Achievement Award? |url=https://www.billboardmusicawards.com/2016/04/won-artist-achievement-award/ |website=Billboard Music Awards |access-date=November 26, 2019 |date=April 12, 2016 |archive-date=November 26, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191126023622/https://www.billboardmusicawards.com/2016/04/won-artist-achievement-award/ |url-status=dead }}<br />{{cite magazine |title=West To Receive Billboard Artist Achievement Award |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/60642/west-to-receive-billboard-artist-achievement-award |magazine=Billboard |access-date=November 26, 2019 |date=November 17, 2005 }}</ref> In 2015, he became the third rap act to win the ].<ref name=":2">{{cite magazine |last1=Grein |first1=Paul |title=Missy Elliott to Become First Female Rapper to Receive MTV's Video Vanguard Award |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/awards/8527170/missy-elliott-video-vanguard-first-female-rapper |magazine=Billboard |access-date=November 27, 2019 |date=August 12, 2018}}</ref>

West's first six solo studio albums were included on '']''{{'}}s 2020 list of the ].<ref name="Rolling Stone: 500 Greatest Albums of All Time: 2020 edition">{{cite magazine|date=September 22, 2020|title=Rolling Stone: 500 Greatest Albums of All Time: 2020 edition|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/best-albums-of-all-time-1062063/|magazine=Rolling Stone|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200923210922/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/best-albums-of-all-time-1062063/|archive-date=September 23, 2020|access-date=September 24, 2020}}</ref> '']'' named '']'' the best album of the 2000s,<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/gallery/10-best-albums-decade/|title=10 Best Albums of Decade|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|date=December 3, 2009|access-date=August 5, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180324162359/https://ew.com/gallery/10-best-albums-decade|archive-date=March 24, 2018}}</ref> '']'' named '']'' the best album released between 2002 and 2012,<ref>{{cite web |title=The 100 Best Albums of the Complex Decade |url=https://www.complex.com/music/2012/04/the-100-best-albums-of-the-complex-era/kanye-west-graduation |website=Complex |access-date=November 1, 2019 |date=April 2, 2012}}</ref> '']'' was named by ''Rolling Stone'' as one of the 40 most groundbreaking albums of all time,<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/most-groundbreaking-albums-of-all-time |title=The 40 Most Groundbreaking Albums Of All Times |magazine=] |access-date=August 23, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170521051406/https://www.rollingstone.com/most-groundbreaking-albums-of-all-time |archive-date=May 21, 2017 }}</ref> '']'' named '']'' the best album of the 2010s,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.avclub.com/the-50-best-albums-of-the-2010s-1839776060|title=The 50 Best of the 2010s|work=]|access-date=November 21, 2019 |date=November 20, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191120012449/https://music.avclub.com/the-50-best-albums-of-the-2010s-1839776060 |archive-date=November 20, 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref> '']'' was the most critically acclaimed album of 2013 according to ],<ref>{{cite web |last1=Dietz |first1=Jason |title=Critics Pick Best Albums of 2013 |url=https://www.metacritic.com/feature/critics-pick-top-ten-albums-of-2013 |website=Metacritic |access-date=November 26, 2019 |date=December 4, 2013 |archive-date=January 23, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180123055052/https://www.metacritic.com/feature/critics-pick-top-ten-albums-of-2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref> and '']'' was the first album to top the ''Billboard'' 200, go platinum in the U.S., and go gold in the UK, via streaming alone.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Yoo |first1=Noah |title=Kanye's Life of Pablo Becomes First Streaming-Only Album to Go Platinum |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/67861-kanyes-life-of-pablo-becomes-first-streaming-only-album-to-go-platinum/ |website=Pitchfork |access-date=November 26, 2019 |date=April 4, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Kanye West's The Life of Pablo becomes the UK's first album to be certified Gold on streams only |url=https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/kanye-wests-the-life-of-pablo-becomes-the-uks-first-album-to-be-certified-gold-on-streams-only__20640/ |website=Official Charts |access-date=November 26, 2019 |date=October 3, 2017}}</ref>


==Discography== ==Discography==
{{main|Kanye West discography|Kanye West production discography}} {{Main|Kanye West albums discography|Kanye West singles discography|List of songs recorded by Kanye West|Kanye West production discography}}
<!-- Per ], The discography section of the musician's primary article should "provide a summary of the musician's major works". -->

{{col-begin}}
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===Studio albums=== '''Studio albums'''
{{div col}}
* '']'' (2004) * '']'' (2004)
* '']'' (2005) * '']'' (2005)
* '']'' (2007) * '']'' (2007)
* '']'' (2008) * '']'' (2008)
* '']'' (2010)
* '']'' (2013)
* '']'' (2016)
* '']'' (2018)
* '']'' (2019)
* '']'' (2021)
{{div col end}}


'''Collaborative albums'''
==Awards and nominations==
* '']'' (2011) (with ])
{{main|List of awards and nominations received by Kanye West}}
* '']'' (2018) (with ], as ])
* '']'' (2024) (with ], as ])
* '']'' (2024) (with ], as ])


'''Compilation albums'''
==References==
* '']'' (2012) (with ])
{{reflist|2}}


'''Demo albums'''
==External links==
* '']'' (2022)
{{commons}}
{{wikiquote}} {{col-end}}
*
*
* {{people.com}}
* {{musicbrainz artist|id=164f0d73-1234-4e2c-8743-d77bf2191051|name=Kanye West}}
* {{imdb name|id=1577190|name=Kanye West}}
* at ]
*


== Videography ==
{{Main|Kanye West videography}}
* '']'' (2004)
* '']'' (2006)
* '']'' (2010)
* '']'' (2010)
* '']'' (2019)
* '']'' (2022)

== Tours ==
{{Main|List of Kanye West live performances}}

{{col-begin}}
{{col-2}}
'''Headlining tours'''
* School Spirit Tour (2004)
* ] (2005–2006)
* ] (2008)
* ] (with Jay-Z) (2011–2012)
* ] (2013–2014)
* ] (2016)
{{col-2}}
'''Supporting tours'''
* ] (with ]) (2004)
* ] (with ]) (2005–2006)
* ] (with ]) (2006)
{{col-end}}

== Books ==
* ''Raising Kanye: Life Lessons from the Mother of a Hip-Hop Superstar'' (2007)
* ''Thank You and You're Welcome'' (2009)
* ''Through the Wire: Lyrics & Illuminations'' (2009)
* '']'' (2009)

== See also ==
* ]
* ]
* ]

== Notes ==
{{reflist|group=lower-alpha}}

== References ==
{{reflist|colwidth=30em}}

== Further reading ==
* . Retrieved April 27, 2015.

==External links==
{{Commons category|Kanye West}}
{{Wikiquote|Kanye West}}
* {{Twitter|kanyewest}} <!--exception to WP:ELOFFICIAL per prose-->
* {{AllMusic|class=artist|id=p353484|label=Kanye West}}
* {{IMDb name|id=1577190|name=Kanye West}}
* {{Discogs artist}}
* {{C-SPAN|107046}}
{{CongLinks|fec=P00016741}}


{{Kanye West}} {{Kanye West}}
{{Kanye West songs}} {{Kanye West songs}}
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{{Roc-A-Fella Records}}
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{{American Music Award for Favorite Rap/Hip-Hop Artist}}
{{BET Award for Best Collaboration}}
{{BET Award for Best Male Hip-Hop Artist}}
{{BET Award for Best New Artist}}
{{BET Award for Video of the Year}}
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{{DEFAULTSORT:West, Kanye}}<!--Religious and LGBT categories are not to be used on biographies of living people unless they self-identify with the label and it is relevant to their public lives.-->
{{Persondata
|NAME=West, Kanye Omari ]
|ALTERNATIVE NAMES=
|SHORT DESCRIPTION= Rapper, record producer
|DATE OF BIRTH=June 8, 1977
|PLACE OF BIRTH=]
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Revision as of 03:46, 25 December 2024

American rapper (born 1977) "Kanye" redirects here. For other uses, see Kanye (disambiguation) and Kanye West (disambiguation).

Kanye West
West in 2009
BornKanye Omari West
(1977-06-08) June 8, 1977 (age 47)
Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
Other names
  • Ye
  • Yeezy
  • Yeezus
  • Saint Pablo
  • Louis Vuitton Don
Occupations
  • Rapper
  • record producer
  • singer
  • songwriter
  • fashion designer
Years active1996–present
Organizations
Spouse Kim Kardashian ​ ​(m. 2014; div. 2022)
PartnerBianca Censori (2022–present)
Children4, including North
MotherDonda West
Relatives
AwardsFull list
Musical career
OriginChicago, Illinois, U.S.
Genres
Discography
Labels
Member of
Formerly of
Musical artist
Websiteyeezy.com
Signature

Ye (/jeɪ/ YAY; born Kanye Omari West /ˈkɑːnjeɪ/ KAHN-yay; June 8, 1977) is an American rapper and record producer. One of the most prominent figures in hip-hop, he is known for his varying musical style and polarizing cultural and political commentary. After dropping out of college to pursue a career in music, West began producing for regional artists in the Chicago area. As an in-house producer for Roc-A-Fella Records, he co-produced albums including Jay-Z's The Blueprint (2001) before signing with the label as a recording artist. West's debut studio album, The College Dropout (2004), was met with critical acclaim and yielded the Billboard Hot 100-number one single "Slow Jamz". He peaked the chart on four other occasions with the singles "Gold Digger" (2005), "Stronger" (2007), "E.T." (2011, as a featured artist), and "Carnival" (2024).

West's second and third studio albums, Late Registration (2005) and Graduation (2007), both debuted atop the Billboard 200, the latter becoming West's most commercially successful to date. Three of his subsequent albums, 808s & Heartbreak (2008), My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy (2010), and The Life of Pablo (2016), were certified triple platinum, and Yeezus (2013) was certified double platinum. While not as well-received critically as his previous efforts, Ye (2018), Jesus Is King (2019), and Donda (2021) continued West's series of consecutive number one debuts on the Billboard 200. West has also released the collaborative albums Watch the Throne (2011) with Jay-Z, Kids See Ghosts (2018) with Kid Cudi, as well as Vultures 1 and Vultures 2 (2024) with Ty Dolla Sign. In fashion design, he has collaborated with Nike, Inc., Louis Vuitton, and Gap Inc. on clothing and footwear, and led the Yeezy collaboration with Adidas.

One of the world's best-selling music artists with 160 million records sold, West has won 24 Grammy Awards, the joint 11th-most of all time and most awarded for any hip-hop artist along with Jay-Z. His other accolades include a Billboard Artist Achievement Award, a joint-record three Brit Awards for Best International Male Solo Artist, and the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award. West holds the joint record (with Bob Dylan) for most albums (4) topping the annual Pazz & Jop critic poll. Time named him one of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2005 and 2015. West's first six solo albums were included on Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Albums of All Time list in 2020, with the same publication naming him one of the 100 Greatest Songwriters of All Time.

West's outspoken views have received significant media coverage. He has been a frequent source of controversy due to his conduct on social media, at award shows and public settings, as well as his comments on the music and fashion industries, U.S. politics, race, and slavery. His Christian faith, high-profile marriage to Kim Kardashian, and mental health have also been topics of media attention. In 2020, West launched an unsuccessful independent presidential campaign that advocated for a consistent life ethic. In October 2022, he was widely condemned and lost many sponsors and partnerships—including his collaborations with Adidas, Gap, and Balenciaga—after making a series of antisemitic statements, including denying the Holocaust.

Early life

West was born on June 8, 1977, in Atlanta, Georgia. After his parents divorced when he was three years old, he moved with his mother to Chicago, Illinois. His father, Ray West, is a former Black Panther and was one of the first black photojournalists at The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Ray later became a Christian counselor, and in 2006, opened the Good Water Store and Café in Lexington Park, Maryland, with startup capital from his son. West's mother, Donda C. West (née Williams), was a professor of English at Clark Atlanta University and the Chair of the English Department at Chicago State University before retiring to serve as his manager.

West was raised in a middle-class environment, attending Polaris School for Individual Education in suburban Oak Lawn, Illinois, after living in Chicago. At the age of 10, West moved with his mother to Nanjing, China, where she was teaching at Nanjing University as a Fulbright Scholar. According to his mother, West was the only foreigner in his class, but he settled in well and quickly picked up the language, although he has since forgotten most of it. When asked about his grades in high school, West replied, "I got A's and B's."

West demonstrated an affinity for the arts at an early age; he began writing poetry when he was five years old. West started rapping in the third grade and began making musical compositions in the seventh grade, eventually selling them to other artists. West crossed paths with producer No I.D., who became West's friend and mentor. After graduating from high school, West received a scholarship to attend Chicago's American Academy of Art in 1997 and began taking painting classes. Shortly after, he transferred to Chicago State University to study English. At age 20, he dropped out to pursue his musical career. This greatly displeased his mother, who was also a professor at the university, although she would later accept the decision.

Musical career

1996–2002: Early work and Roc-A-Fella

West began his early production career in the mid-1990s, creating beats primarily for burgeoning local artists in the Chicago area. He received his first official production credits at age nineteen, when he produced eight tracks on Down to Earth, the 1996 debut album of Chicago-based underground rapper Grav. In 1998, West was the first producer signed to the management-production company Hip Hop Since 1978, founded by Gee Roberson and Kyambo "Hip-Hop" Joshua. For a time, West acted as a ghost producer for Deric "D-Dot" Angelettie. Due to his association with Angelettie, West was not able to release a solo album, so he formed the Go-Getters, a hip-hop group composed of him and fellow Chicago natives GLC, Timmy G, Really Doe, and Arrowstar. The Go-Getters independently released their first and only studio album, World Record Holders in 1999 through West's company, Konman Productions. West spent much of the late 1990s further producing for several musical acts. He produced the third track on Foxy Brown's second studio album Chyna Doll (1999), which became the second hip-hop album by a female rapper to peak atop the US Billboard 200 chart.

West received early acclaim for his production work on Jay-Z's The Blueprint. The two are pictured here in 2011.

In 2000, West began producing for artists on Roc-A-Fella Records as an in-house producer. West is often credited with revitalizing Jay-Z's career with extensive contributions to his 2001 album The Blueprint, which Rolling Stone ranked among their list of greatest hip-hop albums. West produced songs for label cohorts such as Beanie Sigel and Freeway, but also produced beats which were used by artists on other labels including Ludacris, Alicia Keys, and Janet Jackson. Meanwhile, West struggled to attain a record deal as a rapper. Multiple record companies, including Capitol Records, denied or ignored him because he did not portray the gangsta image prominent in mainstream hip-hop at the time. Desperate to keep West from defecting to another label, then-label head Damon Dash reluctantly signed West to Roc-A-Fella as a recording artist.

A 2002 car accident, which shattered his jaw, inspired West; two weeks after being admitted to the hospital, he recorded "Through the Wire" at the Record Plant Studios with his jaw still wired shut. The song was first included on West's debut mixtape Get Well Soon..., which was released in December 2002. At the same time, West announced that he was working on an album titled The College Dropout, whose overall theme was to "make your own decisions. Don't let society tell you, 'This is what you have to do.'"

2003–2006: The College Dropout and Late Registration

Main articles: The College Dropout and Late Registration
West in Portland in December 2005 as a supporting act for U2 on their Vertigo Tour

West recorded the remainder of the album in Los Angeles while recovering from the car accident. It was leaked months before its release date, and West used the opportunity to remix, remaster, and revise the album before its release; West added new verses, string arrangements, gospel choirs, and improved drum programming. The album was postponed three times from its initial date in August 2003, and was eventually released in February 2004, reaching No. 2 on the Billboard 200 as his debut single, "Through the Wire" peaked at No. 15 while on the Billboard Hot 100 chart for five weeks. "Slow Jamz", his second single, featuring Twista and Jamie Foxx, became the three musicians' first No. 1 hit. The College Dropout received critical acclaim, was nominated for the top album of the year by American Music Awards and Billboard, and has consistently been ranked among the great hip-hop works and debut albums by artists.

"Jesus Walks", the album's fourth single, reached the top 20 of the Billboard pop charts, despite industry executives' predictions that a song containing such blatant declarations of faith would never make it to the radio. The College Dropout was certified triple platinum in the U.S., and garnered West 10 Grammy nominations, including Album of the Year, and Best Rap Album (which it received). During this period, West founded GOOD Music, a record label and management company that housed affiliate artists and producers, such as No I.D. and John Legend, and produced singles for Brandy, Common, Legend, and Slum Village.

West invested $2 million and took over a year to make his second album. West was inspired by Roseland NYC Live, a 1998 live album by English trip hop group Portishead, produced with the New York Philharmonic Orchestra, incorporating string arrangements into his hip-hop production. Though West had not been able to afford many live instruments around the time of his debut album, the money from his commercial success enabled him to hire a string orchestra for his second album Late Registration. West collaborated with American film score composer Jon Brion, who served as the album's co-executive producer for several tracks. Late Registration sold over 2.3 million units in the United States alone by the end of 2005 and was considered by industry observers as the only successful major album release of the fall season, which had been plagued by steadily declining CD sales.

When his song "Touch the Sky" failed to win Best Video at the 2006 MTV Europe Music Awards, West went onto the stage as the award was being presented to Justice and Simian for "We Are Your Friends" and argued that he should have won the award instead. Hundreds of news outlets worldwide criticized the outburst. On November 7, 2006, West apologized for this outburst publicly during his performance as support act for U2 for their Vertigo concert in Brisbane. He later spoofed the incident on the 33rd-season premiere of Saturday Night Live in September 2007.

2007–2009: Graduation, 808s & Heartbreak, and VMAs incident

Main articles: Graduation (album), 808s & Heartbreak, and Kanye West MTV Video Music Awards controversy

West's third studio album, Graduation, garnered major publicity when its release date pitted West in a sales competition against rapper 50 Cent's Curtis. Upon their September 2007 releases, Graduation outsold Curtis by a large margin, debuting at number one on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart and selling 957,000 copies in its first week. Graduation continued the string of critical and commercial successes by West, and the album's lead single, "Stronger", garnered his third number-one hit. "Stronger", which samples French house duo Daft Punk, has been accredited to not only encouraging other hip-hop artists to incorporate house and electronica elements into their music, but also for playing a part in the revival of disco and electro-infused music in the late 2000s. His mother's death in November 2007 and the end of his engagement to Alexis Phifer profoundly affected West, who set off for his 2008 Glow in the Dark Tour shortly thereafter.

West performing in 2008

Recorded mostly in Honolulu, Hawaii in three weeks, West announced his fourth album, 808s & Heartbreak, at the 2008 MTV Video Music Awards, where he performed its lead single, "Love Lockdown". Music audiences were taken aback by the uncharacteristic production style and the presence of Auto-Tune, which typified the pre-release response to the record. 808s & Heartbreak was released by Island Def Jam in November 2008. Upon its release, the lead single "Love Lockdown" debuted at number three on the Billboard Hot 100, while follow-up single "Heartless" debuted at number four. While it was criticized prior to release, 808s & Heartbreak is considered to have had a significant effect on hip-hop music, encouraging other rappers to take more creative risks with their productions.

While Taylor Swift was accepting her award for Best Female Video at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards, West went on stage and grabbed the microphone from her to proclaim that Beyoncé deserved the award instead. He was subsequently removed from the remainder of the show for his actions. West was criticized by various celebrities for the outburst, and by President Barack Obama, who called West a "jackass". The incident sparked a large influx of Internet photo memes. West subsequently apologized, including personally to Swift. However, in a November 2010 interview, he seemed to recant his past apologies, describing the act at the 2009 awards show as "selfless".

2010–2012: My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, Watch the Throne, and Cruel Summer

Main articles: My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, Watch the Throne, and Cruel Summer (GOOD Music album)

Following the highly publicized incident, West took a brief break from music and threw himself into fashion, only to hole up in Hawaii for the next few months writing and recording his next album. Importing his favorite producers and artists to work on and inspire his recording, West kept engineers behind the boards 24 hours a day and slept only in increments. Noah Callahan-Bever, a writer for Complex, was present during the sessions and described the "communal" atmosphere as thus: "With the right songs and the right album, he can overcome any and all controversy, and we are here to contribute, challenge, and inspire." A variety of artists contributed to the project, including close friends Jay-Z, Kid Cudi and Pusha T, as well as collaborations with artists including Justin Vernon of Bon Iver and Gil Scott Heron.

West at the SWU Music & Arts Festival in Brazil in 2011

My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, West's fifth studio album, was released in November 2010 to widespread acclaim from critics, many of whom considered it his best work and said it solidified his comeback. In stark contrast to his previous effort, which featured a minimalist sound, Dark Fantasy adopts a maximalist philosophy and deals with themes of celebrity and excess. The record included the international hit "All of the Lights", and Billboard hits "Power", "Monster", and "Runaway", the latter of which accompanied a 35-minute film of the same name directed by and starring West. During this time, West initiated the free music program GOOD Fridays through his website, offering a free download of previously unreleased songs each Friday, a portion of which were included on the album. This promotion ran from August to December 2010. Dark Fantasy went on to go platinum in the United States, but its omission as a contender for Album of the Year at the 54th Grammy Awards was viewed as a "snub" by several media outlets.

2011 saw West embark on a festival tour to commemorate the release of My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy performing and headlining numerous festivals including; SWU Music & Arts, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Oya Festival, Flow Festival, Live Music Festival, The Big Chill, Essence Music Festival, Lollapalooza and Coachella which was described by The Hollywood Reporter as "one of greatest hip-hop sets of all time", West released the collaborative album Watch the Throne with Jay-Z in August 2011. By employing a sales strategy that released the album digitally weeks before its physical counterpart, Watch the Throne became one of the few major label albums in the Internet age to avoid a leak. "Niggas in Paris" became the record's highest-charting single, peaking at number five on the Billboard Hot 100. The co-headlining Watch the Throne Tour kicked off in October 2011 and concluded in June 2012. In 2012, West released the compilation album Cruel Summer, a collection of tracks by artists from West's record label GOOD Music.

2013–2015: Yeezus and the Yeezus Tour

Main articles: Yeezus and The Yeezus Tour

Sessions for West's sixth solo effort begin to take shape in early 2013 in his own personal loft's living room at a Paris hotel. Determined to "undermine the commercial", he once again brought together close collaborators and attempted to incorporate Chicago drill, dancehall, acid house, and industrial music. Primarily inspired by architecture, West's perfectionist tendencies led him to contact producer Rick Rubin fifteen days shy of its due date to strip down the record's sound in favor of a more minimalist approach. Initial promotion of his sixth album included worldwide video projections of the album's music and live television performances. Yeezus, West's sixth album, was released June 18, 2013, to rave reviews from critics. It became his sixth consecutive number one debut, but also marked his lowest solo opening week sales.

West on the Yeezus Tour in 2013

In September 2013, West announced he would be headlining his first solo tour in five years, to support Yeezus, with fellow American rapper Kendrick Lamar accompanying him as a supporting act. The tour was met with rave reviews from critics. Rolling Stone described it as "crazily entertaining, hugely ambitious, emotionally affecting (really!) and, most importantly, totally bonkers". Writing for Forbes, Zack O'Malley Greenburg praised West for "taking risks that few pop stars, if any, are willing to take in today's hyper-exposed world of pop", describing the show as "overwrought and uncomfortable at times, but excels at challenging norms and provoking thought in a way that just isn't common for mainstream musical acts of late". West subsequently released a number of singles featuring Paul McCartney, including "Only One" and "FourFiveSeconds", also featuring Rihanna.

In November 2013, West stated that he was beginning work on his next studio album, hoping to release it by mid-2014, with production by Rick Rubin and Q-Tip. Having initially announced a new album entitled Yeezus II slated for a 2014 release, West announced in March 2015 that the album would instead be tentatively called So Help Me God. In May 2015, West was awarded an honorary doctorate by the School of the Art Institute of Chicago for his contributions to music, fashion, and popular culture. The next month, West headlined at the Glastonbury Festival in the UK, despite a petition signed by almost 135,000 people against his appearance. Another petition aimed to block West from headlining the 2015 Pan American Games, garnering 50,000 supporters.

2016–2017: The Life of Pablo and tour cancellation

Main article: The Life of Pablo

West announced in January 2016 that Swish would be released on February 11, and later that month, released new songs "Real Friends" and a snippet of "No More Parties in LA" with Kendrick Lamar. On January 26, 2016, West revealed he had renamed the album from Swish to Waves. In the weeks leading up to the album's release, West became embroiled in several Twitter controversies. Several days ahead of its release, West again changed the title, this time to The Life of Pablo. On February 11, West premiered the album at Madison Square Garden as part of the presentation of his Yeezy Season 3 clothing line. Following the preview, West announced that he would be modifying the tracklist once more before its release to the public. He released the album exclusively on Tidal on February 14, 2016, following a performance on SNL. Following its release, West continued to tinker with mixes of several tracks, describing the work as "a living breathing changing creative expression" and proclaiming the end of the album as a dominant release form. Despite West's earlier comments, in addition to Tidal, the album was released through several other competing services starting in April.

West on the Saint Pablo Tour in 2016

In February 2016, West stated on Twitter that he was planning to release another album in the summer of 2016, tentatively called Turbo Grafx 16 in reference to the 1990s video game console of the same name. In June 2016, West released the collaborative lead single "Champions" off the GOOD Music album Cruel Winter, which has yet to be released. Later that month, West released a controversial video for "Famous", which depicted wax figures of several celebrities (including West, Kardashian, Taylor Swift, businessman and then-presidential candidate Donald Trump, comedian Bill Cosby, and former president George W. Bush) sleeping nude in a shared bed.

In August 2016, West embarked on the Saint Pablo Tour in support of The Life of Pablo. The performances featured a mobile stage suspended from the ceiling. West postponed several dates in October following the Paris robbery of several of his wife's effects. On November 21, 2016, West cancelled the remaining 21 dates on the Saint Pablo Tour, following a week of no-shows, curtailed concerts and rants about politics. He was later admitted for psychiatric observation at UCLA Medical Center. He stayed hospitalized over the Thanksgiving weekend because of a temporary psychosis stemming from sleep deprivation and extreme dehydration. Following this episode West took an 11-month break from posting on Twitter and the public in general.

2017–2019: Ye and the Wyoming Sessions

Main articles: Ye (album) and Kids See Ghosts (album) See also: Daytona (album), Nasir (album), and K.T.S.E.

It was reported in May 2017 that West was recording new music in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, with a wide range of collaborators. In April 2018, West announced plans to write a philosophy book entitled Break the Simulation, later clarifying that he was sharing the book "in real time" on Twitter and began posting content that was likened to "life coaching". Later that month, he also announced two new albums, a solo album and self-titled collaboration with Kid Cudi under the name Kids See Ghosts, both of which would be released in June. Additionally, he revealed he would produce upcoming albums by GOOD Music label-mates Pusha T and Teyana Taylor, as well as Nas. Shortly thereafter, West released the non-album singles "Lift Yourself" and "Ye vs. the People", in which he and T.I. discussed West's support of Donald Trump.

Pusha T's Daytona, "the first project out of Wyoming", was released in May to critical acclaim, although the album's artwork—a photograph of deceased singer Whitney Houston's bathroom that West paid $85,000 to license—attracted some controversy. The following week, West released his eighth studio album, Ye. West has suggested that he scrapped the original recordings of the album and re-recorded it within a month. The week after, West released a collaborative album with Kid Cudi, titled Kids See Ghosts, named after their group of the same name. West also completed production work on Nas' Nasir and Teyana Taylor's K.T.S.E., which were released in June 2018.

In September, West announced his ninth studio album Yandhi to be released by the end of the month and a collaborative album with fellow Chicagoan rapper Chance the Rapper titled Good Ass Job. That same month, West announced that he would be changing his stage name to "Ye". Yandhi was originally set for release in September 2018 but was postponed multiple times. In January 2019, West pulled out of headlining that year's Coachella festival after negotiations broke down due to discord regarding stage design. In July, it was reported that songs from West's unreleased album Yandhi were leaked online. The following month, Kim Kardashian announced that West's next album would be titled Jesus Is King, effectively scrapping Yandhi. By October, the entire unfinished album was available for a short time on streaming services Spotify and Tidal.

2019–2022: Jesus Is King, Donda, and Donda 2

Main articles: Jesus Is King, Donda, and Donda 2

On January 6, 2019, West started his weekly "Sunday Service" events, which included soul variations of both West's and others' songs and were attended by multiple celebrities, including the Kardashians, Charlie Wilson, and Kid Cudi. West previewed a new song, "Water" at his "Sunday Service" orchestration performance at Coachella 2019, which was later revealed to feature on his upcoming album Jesus Is King; West released the album on October 25, 2019. It became the first to ever top the Billboard 200, Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums, Top Rap Albums, Top Christian Albums and Top Gospel Albums at the same time. On December 25, 2019, West and Sunday Service released Jesus Is Born, containing 19 songs, including several re-workings of older West songs.

West released a single titled "Wash Us in the Blood" on June 30, 2020, featuring fellow American rapper and singer Travis Scott, along with the music video, which was set to serve as the lead single from his tenth studio album Donda. However, in September 2020, West stated that he would not be releasing any further music until he is "done with contract with Sony and Universal". On October 16, he released the single "Nah Nah Nah". West held several listening parties at Mercedes-Benz Stadium for his upcoming album Donda in the summer of 2021, where he had taken up temporary residence in one of the stadium's locker rooms, converting it into a recording studio to finish the recording. After multiple delays, Donda was released on August 29, 2021. West claimed the album was released early without his approval and alleged that Universal had altered the tracklist. He released a deluxe edition of Donda, including five new songs, to streaming services on November 14, 2021. On November 20, days after ending their long-running feud, West and rapper Drake confirmed that they would stage the "Free Larry Hoover" benefit concert on December 9 at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

On January 5, 2022, West was announced as one of the 2022 headliners of Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. Later that month on January 15, West released the first single for his upcoming album Donda 2, "Eazy" featuring The Game, to be executive produced by American rapper Future. West hosted a listening event for the album at LoanDepot Park in Miami, Florida, on February 22. In April, shortly before Coachella, West pulled out as headlining act, then proceeded to pull out of headlining Rolling Loud. West and The Game performed the single on July 22, marking West's first performance in five months following the low profile he had been keeping since Donda 2 remained unfinished. A day later, despite cancelling as headliner, he appeared at Rolling Loud during Lil Durk's set. In December 2022, after weeks of controversial antisemitic statements, West released a new song, "Someday We'll All Be Free", on his Instagram.

2023–present: Vultures trilogy and Bully

Main articles: Vultures 1 and Vultures 2
¥$ listening party in Bologna, Italy, for Vultures 1 (2024)

On August 25, 2023, West was reported to be in the process of recording his eleventh studio album, with two sources close to him stating that the release of new music was "imminent". On October 13, Billboard reported that West had finished recording a collaborative studio album with Ty Dolla Sign and was in the process of shopping the album to distributors, adding that the album was originally intended for an official release that day but was ultimately pushed back for unknown reasons and expected to drop within the coming weeks. The eponymous lead single for the album, "Vultures" featuring Bump J, was released on November 22, 2023.

Throughout late 2023 and early 2024, West and Ty Dolla $ign held several concerts previewing songs from the album. In a trailer for the album, West announced that Vultures would be released as a trilogy of albums, with each of the album's three volumes set to be released on February 9, March 6, and April 5, 2024. In January 2024, West co-signed 4Batz and called him his favorite new artist. On February 8, 2024, West released the first volume's second single, "Talking / Once Again" featuring his eldest daughter North. A day later, producer Erick Sermon revealed in an interview that West's upcoming eleventh studio album was titled Y3, while also stating that he had contributed to the album in 2023. West has since denied working on an album titled Y3.

On February 10, 2024, hours after West held a listening party at UBS Arena, the first volume of the Vultures trilogy, entitled Vultures 1, was officially released. The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, becoming West's eleventh consecutive and Ty Dolla Sign's first number one album, respectively. Vultures 2 released later that year on August 3. On September 28, during a concert in Haikou, China at the Wuyuan River Stadium, West announced his eleventh solo album Bully, debuting the track "Beauty and the Beast".

Musical style

West performing in 2012

West's musical career is defined by frequent stylistic shifts and different musical approaches. In the subsequent years since his debut, West has both musically and lyrically taken an increasingly experimental approach to crafting progressive hip-hop music while maintaining accessible pop sensibilities. Ed Ledsham of PopMatters said that "West's melding of multiple genres into the hip-hop fold is a complex act that challenges the dominant white notions of what constitutes true 'art' music." West's rhymes have been described as funny, provocative and articulate, capable of seamlessly segueing from shrewd commentary to comical braggadocio to introspective sensitivity. West imparts that he strives to speak in an inclusive manner so groups from different racial and gender backgrounds can comprehend his lyrics, saying he desired to sound "just as ill as Jadakiss and just as understandable as Will Smith". Early in his career, West pioneered a style of hip-hop production dubbed "chipmunk-soul", a sampling technique involving the manipulation of tempo in order to chop and stretch pitched-up samples from vintage soul songs.

On his debut studio album, The College Dropout (2004), West formed the constitutive elements of his style, described as intricate hip-hop beats, topical subject matter, and clumsy rapping laced with inventive wordplay. The record saw West diverge from the then-dominant gangster persona in hip-hop in favor of more diverse, topical lyrical subjects, including higher education, materialism, self-consciousness, minimum-wage labor, institutional prejudice, class struggle, family, sexuality, his struggles in the music industry, and middle-class upbringing. Over time, West has explored a variety of music genres, encompassing and taking inspiration from chamber pop on his second studio album, Late Registration (2005), arena rock and europop on his third album, Graduation (2007), synth-driven electropop on his fourth album, 808s & Heartbreak (2008), acid-house, drill, industrial rap and trap on Yeezus (2013), gospel and Christian rap on The Life of Pablo (2016), Jesus is King (2019) and Donda (2021), and psychedelic music on Kids See Ghosts (2018).

Other ventures

Fashion

Early in his career, West made clear his interest in fashion and desire to work in the clothing design industry. He launched his own clothing line in spring 2006, and developed it over the following four years before the line was ultimately cancelled in 2009. In January 2007, West's first sneaker collaboration was released, a special-edition Bapesta from A Bathing Ape. In 2009, West collaborated with Nike to release his own shoe, the Air Yeezys, becoming the first non-athlete to be given a shoe deal with the company. In January 2009, he introduced his first shoe line designed for Louis Vuitton during Paris Fashion Week. The line was released in summer 2009. West has additionally designed shoewear for Italian shoemaker Giuseppe Zanotti.

In fall 2009, West moved to Rome, where he interned at Italian fashion brand Fendi, giving ideas for the men's collection. In March 2011, West collaborated with M/M Paris for a series of silk scarves featuring artwork from My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy. In October 2011, West premiered his women's fashion label at Paris Fashion Week. His debut fashion show received mixed-to-negative reviews. In March 2012, West premiered a second fashion line at Paris Fashion Week. Critics deemed the sophomore effort "much improved" compared to his first show.

On December 3, 2013, Adidas officially confirmed a new shoe collaboration deal with West. After months of anticipation and rumors, West confirmed the release of the Adidas Yeezy Boosts. In 2015, West unveiled a Yeezy clothing line, premiering in collaboration with Adidas early that year. In June 2016, Adidas announced a new long-term contract with Kanye West that extended the Yeezy line to a number of stores, planning to sell sports performance products like basketball, football, and soccer, although Adidas terminated the partnership with West in October 2022 due to his antisemitic remarks. In May 2021, West signed a 10-year deal linking Yeezy with GAP to create Yeezy Gap, however, in September 2022, West announced that he was ending the deal.

Business ventures

West founded the record label and production company GOOD Music in 2004, in conjunction with Sony BMG, shortly after releasing his debut album, The College Dropout. West, alongside then-unknown Ohio singer John Legend and fellow Chicago rapper Common were the label's inaugural artists. The label houses artists including West, Big Sean, Pusha T, Teyana Taylor, Yasiin Bey / Mos Def, D'banj and John Legend, and producers including Hudson Mohawke, Q-Tip, Travis Scott, No I.D., Jeff Bhasker, and S1. GOOD Music has released ten albums certified gold or higher by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). In November 2015, West appointed Pusha T the new president of GOOD Music.

In August 2008, West revealed plans to open 10 Fatburger restaurants in the Chicago area after his company, KW Foods LLC, bought the rights to the chain in Chicago. The first location opened in September 2008 in Orland Park and a second followed in January 2009. The Orland Park location closed in early 2011 due to poor sales performance.

In January 2012, West announced his establishment of the creative content company Donda, named after his late mother. In his announcement, West proclaimed that the company would "pick up where Steve Jobs left off"; Donda would operate as a "design company" with a goal to "make products and experiences that people want and can afford". In stating Donda's creative philosophy, West articulated the need to "put creatives in a room together with like minds" in order to "simplify and aesthetically improve everything we see, taste, touch, and feel." West is notoriously secretive about the company's operations, maintaining neither an official website nor a social media presence. Contemporary critics have noted the consistent minimalistic aesthetic exhibited throughout Donda creative projects.

West expressed interest in starting an architecture firm in May 2013, saying "I want to do product, I am a product person, not just clothing but water bottle design, architecture ... I make music but I shouldn't be limited to one place of creativity" and then later in November 2013, delivering a manifesto on his architectural goals during a visit to Harvard Graduate School of Design. In May 2018, West announced he was starting an architecture firm called Yeezy Home, which will act as an arm of his already successful Yeezy fashion label. In June 2018, the first Yeezy Home collaboration was announced by designer Jalil Peraza, teasing an affordable concrete prefabricated home as part of a social housing project.

In March 2015, it was announced that West is a co-owner, with various other music artists, in the music streaming service Tidal. The service specialises in lossless audio and high definition music videos. Jay-Z acquired the parent company of Tidal, Aspiro, in the first quarter of 2015. Sixteen artist stakeholders including Jay-Z, Rihanna, Beyoncé, Madonna, Chris Martin, Nicki Minaj co-own Tidal, with the majority owning a 3% equity stake. In October 2022, in direct response to bans he received on Twitter and Instagram stemming from his antisemitic comments, West reached an agreement in principle to acquire the alt-tech social network Parler for an undisclosed amount. Parler and West mutually agreed to terminate the proposed deal in mid-November.

Philanthropy

West, alongside his mother, founded the Kanye West Foundation in Chicago in 2003, tasked with a mission to battle dropout and illiteracy rates, while partnering with community organizations to provide underprivileged youth access to music education. In 2007, West and the Foundation partnered with Strong American Schools as part of their "Ed in '08" campaign. As spokesman for the campaign, West appeared in a series of PSAs for the organization, and hosted an inaugural benefit concert in August of that year. In 2008, following the death of West's mother, the foundation was rechristened The Dr. Donda West Foundation. The foundation ceased operations in 2011. In 2013, Kanye West and friend Rhymefest founded Donda's House, Inc., a program aimed at helping at-risk Chicago youth.

West has contributed to hurricane relief in 2005 by participating in a Hurricane Katrina benefit concert after the storm had ravaged black communities in New Orleans and in 2012 when he performed at a Hurricane Sandy benefit concert. In January 2019, West donated $10 million towards the completion of the Roden Crater by American artist James Turrell. In June 2020, in the wake of the murder of George Floyd and the following protests, he donated $2 million between the family of Floyd and other victims of police brutality, Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor. The donation funded legal fees for Arbery and Taylor's families, as well as establishing a 529 plan to fully cover college tuition for Floyd's daughter.

Acting and filmmaking

West made cameo appearances as himself in the films State Property 2 (2005) and The Love Guru (2008), and in an episode of the television show Entourage in 2007. West provided the voice for "Kenny West", a rapper, in the animated sitcom The Cleveland Show. In 2009, he starred in the Spike Jonze-directed short film We Were Once a Fairytale (2009), playing himself acting belligerently while drunk in a nightclub. West wrote, directed, and starred in the musical short film Runaway (2010), which heavily features music from My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy. The film depicts a relationship between a man, played by West, and a half-woman, half-phoenix creature.

In 2012, West co-directed another short film, along with Alexandre Moors, titled Cruel Summer, which premiered at the 2012 Cannes Film Festival in a custom pyramid-shaped screening pavilion featuring seven screens constructed for the film. The film was meant to tie in with the compilation album of the same name to be released later that year. West made a cameo appearance in the comedy Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues (2013) as a MTV News representative in the film's fight scene. In September 2018, West announced the starting of a film production company named Half Beast, LLC. A documentary shot over 21 years featuring footage of West's early days in Chicago through the death of his mother to his presidential run was announced to debut in 2021. Titled Jeen-Yuhs, it was acquired by Netflix for $30 million and released in 2022.

A documentary shot over 6 years with a billion-dollar budget was announced to debut in 2024. Titled In Whose Name?, it was directed by Nico Ballesteros and will be released in 2025.

Presidential campaigns

Main article: Kanye West U.S. presidential campaigns

2020

West at his first campaign rally in North Charleston, South Carolina, on July 19, 2020

On July 4, 2020, West announced on Twitter that he would be running in the 2020 presidential election. On July 7, West was interviewed by Forbes about his presidential run, where he announced that his running mate would be Wyoming preacher Michelle Tidball, and that he would run as an independent under the "Birthday Party", explaining his decision of why he chose the name, saying, "Because when we win, it's everybody's 'birthday'." West also said he no longer supported Trump because he "hid in bunker" during the COVID-19 pandemic. Continuing, he said, "You know? Obama's special. Trump's special. We say Kanye West is special. America needs special people that lead. Bill Clinton? Special. Joe Biden's not special."

Various political pundits speculated that West's presidential run was a publicity stunt to promote his latest music releases. On July 15, 2020, official paperwork was filed with the Federal Election Commission for West, under the "BDY" Party affiliation amid claims that he was preparing to drop out. West held his first rally that weekend, on July 19. West aligned himself with the philosophy of a consistent life ethic, a tenet of Christian democracy. His platform advocated for the creation of a culture of life, endorsing environmental stewardship, supporting the arts, buttressing faith-based organizations, restoring school prayer, providing for a strong national defense, and "America First" diplomacy. In July 2020, West told Forbes that he is ignorant on issues such as taxes and foreign policy.

West conceded on Twitter on November 4, 2020. He received 66,365 votes in the 12 states he had ballot access in, receiving an average of 0.32%. Reported write-in votes gave West an additional 3,931 votes across 5 states. In addition, the Roque De La Fuente / Kanye West ticket won 60,160 votes in California (0.34%). According to Reuters, on January 4, 2021, a Kanye West-linked publicist pressured a Georgia election worker to confess to bogus charges of election tampering to assist Trump's claims of election interference. In December 2021, The Daily Beast reported that West's presidential campaign received millions of dollars in services from a secret network of Republican operatives, payments to which the committee did not report. According to campaign finance experts, this was done to conceal a connection.

2024

West stated his intention to run for president again in the 2024 presidential election, saying at a November 2019 event, "When I run for president in 2024, we would've created so many jobs that I'm not going to run, I'm going to walk." He was met with laughter from the audience. In response to a request for additional information from the Federal Election Commission regarding the creation of a presidential exploratory committee, West's representatives emphasized that he "has not decided whether to become a candidate for president in the 2024 election" and refused to file additional paperwork with the commission. West officially launched his presidential campaign in November 2022. West claimed to have asked former president Donald Trump to be his running mate; according to West, Trump was "caught off-guard" by the request and warned him of losing if he decided to run. In October 2023, an attorney for West said that he "is not a candidate for office in 2024".

Views

Main article: Views of Kanye West

West has been an outspoken and controversial celebrity throughout his career, receiving criticism from the mainstream media, industry colleagues and entertainers, and three U.S. presidents. In a 2005 speech, West criticized both the media and the government's racial disparities in their response to Hurricane Katrina, stating on live television "George Bush doesn't care about black people". He apologized for the comment in 2010, saying he "didn't have the grounds to call a racist" and later stated in regard to the remark that he "was programmed to think from a victimized mentality". West voiced his opposition to abortion in 2013, citing his belief in the Sixth Commandment, and in 2022 deemed abortion "genocide and population control" of black people. He has stated that the 400-year enslavement of Africans "sounds like a choice", before elaborating that his comment was in reference to mental enslavement and argued for free thought. He later apologized for the comment.

In late 2022, West made a series of antisemitic statements, resulting in the termination of his collaborations, sponsorships, and partnerships with Vogue, Universal Music Group, CAA, Balenciaga, Gap, and Adidas. West was widely condemned after appearing at a dinner hosted by Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago beside Nick Fuentes, a white nationalist. In a subsequent December appearance on Alex Jones's InfoWars, West praised Adolf Hitler, denied the Holocaust, and identified himself as a Nazi. After the interview, West used his Twitter account to post a picture of a swastika entangled in a Star of David, and his account was terminated. In July 2023, Twitter reversed the ban, citing assurances from West that he would not post harmful content. According to a 2023 report published by the Anti-Defamation League, West's antisemitic rhetoric has caused several instances of hate-speech vandalism, harassment, and violence across the United States. In December 2023, weeks before the release of his upcoming album, West apologized for his antisemitic remarks in a written statement on Instagram. In a subsequent interview, he said "ome of the stuff I was saying was true" and that Black people cannot be antisemitic because they "are Jew".

Personal life

West has been one of the wealthiest musical artists; his net worth was as high as $1.8 billion in 2021. In October 2022, Forbes estimated his net worth to have dropped to $400 million in large part due to Adidas's termination of their partnership following a series of public antisemitic statements.

Name change

In August 2021, West applied to court to have his legal name changed from "Kanye Omari West" to "Ye", with no middle or last name; he cited "personal reasons" for the change. The request was granted by Michelle Williams Court, a Los Angeles County Superior Court judge, in October 2021. West had alluded to wishing to change his name since 2018 and had used Ye as a nickname for several years prior, stating in a 2018 interview that he believed "ye" (/jiː/) was the most commonly used word in the Bible: "In the Bible it means 'you'. So, I'm you. I'm us. It's us. It went from being Kanye, which means the only one, to just Ye."

Relationships and family

Kim Kardashian

In April 2012, West began dating reality television star Kim Kardashian, with whom he had already been long-time friends. West and Kardashian became engaged in October 2013, and married at Fort di Belvedere in Florence in May 2014. Their private ceremony was subject to widespread mainstream coverage, with which West took issue. The couple's high-profile status and respective careers have resulted in their relationship becoming subject to heavy media coverage; The New York Times referred to their marriage as "a historic blizzard of celebrity".

West and Kardashian have four children: North West (born June 2013), Saint West (born December 2015), Chicago West (born via surrogate in January 2018), and Psalm West (born via surrogate in May 2019). In July 2020, during a presidential campaign rally of his, West revealed that he had previously considered abortion during Kardashian's first pregnancy but has since taken anti-abortion views. In April 2015, West and Kardashian traveled to Jerusalem to have North baptized in the Armenian Apostolic Church at the Cathedral of St. James.

In September 2018, West announced that he would be permanently moving back to Chicago to establish his Yeezy company headquarters there. This did not actually occur, and West instead went on to purchase two ranches near Cody, Wyoming, where he recorded his eighth solo studio album, Ye. Kardashian resides with their children in a home that the now-divorced couple owns in California, whereas West moved into a home across the street to continue to be near their children. In October 2021, West began the process of selling his Wyoming ranch.

In July 2020, West acknowledged the possibility of Kardashian ending their marriage due to his adoption of anti-abortion views. Later that month, West wrote on Twitter that he had been attempting to divorce Kardashian. He also wrote that the Kardashian family was attempting "to lock up". In January 2021, CNN reported that the couple were discussing divorce. A month later, Kardashian filed for divorce, with the couple citing "irreconcilable differences", agreeing to joint custody of their children, and declining spousal support from each other. The divorce settlement was finalized in November 2022, and West was ordered to pay $200,000 in monthly child support and be responsible for half of the children's medical, educational, and security expenses.

Other relationships

West began an on-and-off relationship with the designer Alexis Phifer in 2002, and they became engaged in August 2006. They ended their 18-month engagement in 2008. Phifer stated that the pair had split amicably and remained friends. West dated model Amber Rose from 2008 until mid-2010. In an interview following their split, West stated that he had to take "30 showers" before committing to his next relationship with Kim Kardashian. In response, Rose stated that she had been "bullied" and "slut-shamed" by West throughout their relationship.

In January 2022, actress Julia Fox confirmed in an Interview essay that she was dating West. West continued to say that he wanted his "family back" and publicly lashed out at Kardashian's new boyfriend, comedian Pete Davidson. His treatment of Davidson and Kardashian has been described by commentators as harassment and abusive; the 64th Annual Grammy Awards dropped him as a performer in response to his "concerning online behavior". Less than two months after confirming their relationship, Fox said that she and West had split up but remained on good terms. She later said that she dated West purely to "give people something to talk about" during the COVID-19 pandemic and to "get him off Kim's case".

In January 2023, it was reported that West had informally married Australian architect Bianca Censori, who works for West's Yeezy brand, in a private ceremony in Beverly Hills. The ceremony had no legal standing; the couple did not file for a marriage license. In response to West's subsequent trips to Australia to visit Censori's family, Australian Minister for Education Jason Clare commented that West may be denied a visa due to his recent antisemitic remarks. The Executive Council of Australian Jewry and the Anti-Defamation Commission further argued against granting West entry. In October 2024, TMZ reported that West and Censori were divorcing.

Legal problems

Main article: List of Kanye West sampling controversies

He has been accused of the extensive use of uncleared samples in his music, leading to numerous lawsuits. In December 2006, Robert "Evel" Knievel sued the rapper for trademark infringement of his name and likeness in West's video for "Touch the Sky". Knievel took issue with the "vulgar and offensive" and "sexually charged video" in which West takes on the persona of "Evel Kanyevel" that Knievel claimed damaged his reputation. The suit sought monetary damages and an injunction to stop distribution of the video. West's attorneys argued that the music video amounted to satire and therefore was covered under the First Amendment. Days before his death in November 2007, Knievel amicably settled the suit after being paid a visit by West, saying, "I thought he was a wonderful guy and quite a gentleman."

In 2014, after an altercation with a paparazzo at the Los Angeles Airport, West was sentenced to serve two years' probation for a misdemeanor battery conviction, and was required to attend 24 anger management sessions, perform 250 hours of community service, and pay restitution to the photographer. A separate civil lawsuit brought by the paparazzo was settled in 2015, a week before it was due for trial. According to TMZ, an appeal to have West's conviction expunged from his criminal record was granted by a judge in 2016. On June 29, 2022, a complaint was filed in U.S. District Court in New York claiming copyright infringement due to unauthorized use of a sample on the song "Flowers". The complaint claims that West sampled Marshall Jefferson's 1986 house track "Move Your Body" without gaining permission or providing compensation. In July 2022, West was sued for $416,000 by the fashion rental company the David Casavant Archive. The lawsuit claimed that West had failed to make payments on and return 13 rented pieces.

West was sued for wrongful termination, sexual harassment, and breach of contract by a former assistant in 2024. West denied the allegation. That same year, he was sued by a former model for sexual assault and strangulation. In the lawsuit, she claims that during a music video set, West choked and gagged her in the mouth.

Religious beliefs

After the success of his song "Jesus Walks" from the album The College Dropout, West was asked about his beliefs and said, "I will say that I'm spiritual. I have accepted Jesus as my Savior. And I will say that I fall short every day." In a 2008 interview with The Fader, West stated that "I'm like a vessel, and God has chosen me to be the voice and the connector". In a 2009 interview with online magazine Bossip, West stated that he believed in God, but at the time felt that he "would never go into a religion". In 2014, West referred to himself as a Christian during one of his concerts. Kim Kardashian stated in September 2019: "He has had an amazing evolution of being born again and being saved by Christ." In October 2019, West said with respect to his past, "When I was trying to serve multiple gods it drove me crazy" in reference to the "god of ego, god of money, god of pride, the god of fame", and that "I didn't even know what it meant to be saved" and that now "I love Jesus Christ. I love Christianity."

Politics

See also: Views of Kanye West

In September 2012, West donated $1,000 to Barack Obama's re-election campaign, and in August 2015 he donated $2,700 to Hillary Clinton's 2016 campaign. He also donated $15,000 to the Democratic National Committee in October 2014. In December 2016, West met with President-elect Donald Trump to discuss bullying, supporting teachers, modernizing curriculums, and violence in Chicago. West subsequently stated he would have voted for Trump had he voted. In February 2017, however, West deleted all his tweets about Trump in purported dislike of the new president's policies, particularly the travel ban. West reiterated his support for Donald Trump in April 2018. In October 2018, West donated to progressive Chicago mayoral candidate Amara Enyia.

On June 29, 2024, he arrived in Moscow, Russia to celebrate the 40th birthday of Russian fashion designer Gosha Rubchinskiy. West was labeled an "enemy of Ukraine" after his trip to Moscow.

Mental health

On November 19, 2016, West abruptly ended a concert before being committed at the recommendation of authorities to the UCLA Medical Center with hallucinations and paranoia. While the episode was first described as one of "temporary psychosis" caused by dehydration and sleep deprivation, West's mental state was abnormal enough for his 21 cancelled concerts to be covered by his insurance policy. He was reportedly paranoid and depressed throughout the hospitalization, but remained formally undiagnosed. Some have speculated that the Paris robbery of his wife may have triggered the paranoia. On November 30, West was released from the hospital.

In his song "FML" and his featured verse on Vic Mensa's song "U Mad", he refers to using the antidepressant medication Lexapro, and in his unreleased song "I Feel Like That", he mentions feeling many common symptoms of depression and anxiety. In a 2018 interview, West said that he had become addicted to opioids when they were prescribed to him after liposuction. The addiction may have contributed to his nervous breakdown in 2016. In addition to his opioid addiction, West has stated that he has had addictions to alcohol, sex, and pornography. West said that he often has suicidal ideation. West was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 2016, though his diagnosis was not made public until his 2018 album Ye. He told President Donald Trump that it was a misdiagnosis. He had reportedly accepted the diagnosis again by 2019, but again suggested that it had been a misdiagnosis in 2022. In December 2022, he suggested that he may be autistic.

In August 2024, West's former Chief of Staff Milo Yiannopoulos stated in an affidavit filed to the California Dental Board that West was addicted to nitrous oxide. He alleged that dentist Thomas Connelly, who installed permanent titanium prosthodontics for West in January 2024, had moved into West's apartment building and was charging him $50,000 a month to supply the drugs.

Musical impact

West is among the most critically acclaimed popular music artists of the 21st century, earning praise from music critics, industry peers, and cultural figures. In 2014, NME named him the third most influential artist in music. Billboard senior editor Alex Gale declared West "absolutely one of the best, and you could make the argument for the best artist of the 21st century." Sharing similar sentiments, Dave Bry of Complex Magazine called West the twenty-first century's "most important artist of any art form, of any genre." The Atlantic writer David Samuels commented, "Kanye's power resides in his wild creativity and expressiveness, his mastery of form, and his deep and uncompromising attachment to a self-made aesthetic that he expresses through means that are entirely of the moment: rap music, digital downloads, fashion, Twitter, blogs, live streaming video." Joe Muggs of The Guardian argued that "there is nobody else who can sell as many records as West does while remaining so resolutely experimental and capable of stirring things up culturally and politically."

Rolling Stone credited West with transforming hip-hop's mainstream, "establishing a style of introspective yet glossy rap" while deeming him "a producer who created a signature sound and then abandoned it to his imitators, a flashy, free-spending sybarite with insightful things to say about college, culture, and economics, an egomaniac with more than enough artistic firepower to back it up." Writing for Highsnobiety, Shahzaib Hussain stated that West's first three albums "cemented his role as a progressive rap progenitor". AllMusic editor Jason Birchmeier described West as " certain stereotypes about rappers, becoming a superstar on his own terms without adapting his appearance, his rhetoric, or his music to fit any one musical mold". Lawrence Burney of Noisey has credited West with the commercial decline of the gangsta rap genre that once dominated mainstream hip-hop. The release of his third studio album has been described as a turning point in the music industry, and is considered to have helped pave the way for new rappers who did not follow the hardcore-gangster mold to find wider mainstream acceptance.

Hip-hop artists like Drake, Nicki Minaj, Travis Scott, Playboi Carti, Lil Uzi Vert, and Chance the Rapper have acknowledged being influenced by West. Several other artists and music groups of various genres have named West as an influence on their work.

Awards and achievements

Main article: List of awards and nominations received by Kanye West

West is the fourth-highest certified artist in the U.S. by digital singles (69 million). He had the most RIAA digital song certifications by a male artist in the 2000s (19), and was the fourth best-selling digital songs artist of the 2000s in the U.S. In Spotify's first ten years from 2008 to 2018, West was the sixth most streamed artist, and the fourth fastest artist to reach one billion streams. West has the joint-most consecutive studio album to debut at number one on the Billboard 200 (9). He ranked third on Billboard's 2000s decade-end list of top producers and has topped the annual Pazz & Jop critics' poll the joint-most times (four albums) with Bob Dylan.

West has been nominated for 75 Grammys, out of which he has won 24. He has been the most nominated act at five ceremonies, and has received the fourth-most wins overall in the 2000s. In 2008, West became the first solo artist to have his first three albums receive nominations for Album of the Year. West has won a Webby Award for Artist of the Year, an Accessories Council Excellence Award for being a stylemaker, International Man of the Year at the GQ Awards, a Clio Award for The Life of Pablo Album Experience, and an honour by The Recording Academy. West is one of eight acts to have won the Billboard Artist Achievement Award. In 2015, he became the third rap act to win the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award.

West's first six solo studio albums were included on Rolling Stone's 2020 list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time. Entertainment Weekly named The College Dropout the best album of the 2000s, Complex named Graduation the best album released between 2002 and 2012, 808s & Heartbreak was named by Rolling Stone as one of the 40 most groundbreaking albums of all time, The A.V. Club named My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy the best album of the 2010s, Yeezus was the most critically acclaimed album of 2013 according to Metacritic, and The Life of Pablo was the first album to top the Billboard 200, go platinum in the U.S., and go gold in the UK, via streaming alone.

Discography

Main articles: Kanye West albums discography, Kanye West singles discography, List of songs recorded by Kanye West, and Kanye West production discography

Studio albums

Collaborative albums

Compilation albums

Demo albums

Videography

Main article: Kanye West videography

Tours

Main article: List of Kanye West live performances

Headlining tours

Supporting tours

Books

  • Raising Kanye: Life Lessons from the Mother of a Hip-Hop Superstar (2007)
  • Thank You and You're Welcome (2009)
  • Through the Wire: Lyrics & Illuminations (2009)
  • Glow in the Dark (2009)

See also

Notes

  1. ^ Ye has been his legal name since October 2021 (see § Name change).
  2. West and Censori were reported to have married in a private ceremony in December 2022, though without an official marriage license. Censori has since been referred to as West's wife by media publications, as well as West himself.
  3. Most biographies and reference works state that West was born in Atlanta, although some sources give his birthplace as Douglasville, a small city west of Atlanta.
  4. The school rescinded the honorary degree in late 2022 in light of West's public antisemitic statements.
  5. In the King James Bible, the most commonly used translation of the Christian Bible in the United States, the word that appears the most is not "ye", but rather "Lord" (not counting indefinite articles).
  6. Musical artists and groups naming West as an influence:

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