Kanye (name)
Kanye Omari West (born June 8, 1977), known professionally as Kanye West (and legally as Ye), is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, record producer, and fashion designer. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential and acclaimed musicians of the 21st century, as well as one of the best-selling music artists of all time, with over 160 million records sold worldwide.
Born in Atlanta and raised in Chicago, West gained recognition as a producer for Roc-A-Fella Records in the early 2000s, producing hits for artists such as Jay-Z, Alicia Keys, and Ludacris. He later embarked on a successful solo career, releasing his debut album The College Dropout in 2004 to critical and commercial acclaim.
West's music has explored a wide range of themes, including family, religion, racism, politics, and mental health. He is known for his innovative production techniques, incorporating elements of soul, gospel, electronica, and art rock into his hip hop sound. He has released numerous critically acclaimed and commercially successful albums, including Late Registration (2005), Graduation (2007), 808s & Heartbreak (2008), My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy (2010), Yeezus (2013), The Life of Pablo (2016), Ye (2018), and Donda (2021).
Beyond music, West has also made significant contributions to the fashion industry. He has collaborated with brands such as Nike, Adidas, and Louis Vuitton, and has launched his own fashion lines, including Yeezy.
West's career has been marked by both creative innovation and controversy. His outspoken opinions and public persona have often generated media attention and sparked debate. He has been involved in various controversies related to politics, race, and personal matters. Despite the controversies, Kanye West remains a significant figure in both music and popular culture, shaping the sound and style of contemporary music and fashion.