Kanye

Kanye Omari West (born October 8, 1977), commonly known as Kanye West and legally as Ye since 2021, is an American rapper, producer, and fashion designer. Born in Atlanta and raised in Chicago, he is the son of Ray West and Donda West, a college professor. West began his career as a producer for Roc-A-Fella Records, contributing to tracks for Jay-Z and other artists before releasing his own albums.

West gained fame with his debut album The College Dropout (2004), which blended soulful production with introspective lyrics and strong commercial performance. Its follow-ups, Late Registration (2005) and Graduation (2007), expanded his reach and won multiple awards. He has released several influential records, including 808s & Heartbreak (2008) and My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy (2010), known for experimentation and sonic ambition.

In addition to music, West launched the Yeezy fashion line and a sneaker collaboration with Adidas that became a major influence in streetwear. The partnership produced high-demand footwear and apparel before Adidas terminated the deal in 2023 amid controversy surrounding West’s public remarks.

West has been a prominent and polarizing public figure, with high-profile media coverage of his marriage to Kim Kardashian (2014–2022) and their four children, as well as his Sunday Service projects and other ventures. His outspoken statements and behavior have occasionally led to criticism and business consequences.

West is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in 21st‑century hip hop and contemporary culture, noted for production innovations and a multidisciplinary approach to art and branding.