Kanye West is a name known worldwide. He’s a rapper, producer, and songwriter with hundreds of songs to his name, achieving remarkable success in the music industry thanks to his talent and charisma. Critics often hail West as the greatest artist of the 21st century, reports chicago-trend.com.
Early Life and Youth
The future rapper was born in Atlanta, Georgia. His parents held prestigious jobs; his father, Ray, worked as a photojournalist, and his mother, Donda, was an English professor at Clark Atlanta University before becoming head of the English department at Chicago State University.
When Kanye was three, his parents divorced, and he moved with his mother to Chicago, where he graduated with honors from Polaris Charter Academy. Later, when Donda accepted a teaching position in China, Kanye joined her. As the only foreign student in Nanjing, he quickly learned Chinese without the aid of any programs.
From an early age, Kanye showed a deep love for creativity. By five, he had written his first poem, and at eight, he was already deeply interested in music and painting. To support his passion, his mother gifted him a computer with music-writing software, and from that moment on, Kanye devoted all his free time to creating music tracks.
In his teenage years, Kanye became interested in rap and started engaging with Chicago’s pop culture scene. By 13, he was composing melodies worth selling. It was during this time that he released his first serious composition, “Green Eggs and Ham.” After high school, Kanye attended the American Academy of Art to study fine arts. Realizing this wasn’t his true path, he transferred to Chicago State University, majoring in English literature.
At 20, Kanye decided to quit college and pursue a music career. His mother was shocked by the news, believing her son should have a prestigious profession, but Kanye’s mind was set, and she eventually accepted his choice.
Music Career
While still a student, West wrote music for well-known performers but soon embarked on his own path in show business. Starting out, Kanye faced significant challenges; record labels consistently turned him down, citing his lack of experience, even though his projects as a producer were in high demand.
In 2002, tragedy struck when Kanye was hit by a car on his way home. He suffered serious injuries and underwent complex jaw surgery. Even in the hospital, the musician didn’t stop working, asking friends to bring equipment to his room. There, he created “Through the Wire,” which would become the foundation for his debut album, The College Dropout. The album achieved massive success, with tracks like “Slow Jamz” and “Jesus Walks” bringing Kanye global fame. The latter would go on to be one of his signature tracks.
His next album, Late Registration, solidified West’s status as a leading rapper and won him a Grammy Award. Kanye continued releasing hits that delighted fans. His single “Heartless” became one of the world’s best-sellers, and in 2011, he collaborated with rapper Jay-Z on the legendary album Watch the Throne. The track “Niggas in Paris” became the most successful on the album, with fans often requesting it for encore performances at concerts.
In The Life of Pablo, Kanye once again showcased his extraordinary talent and love for music. In 2020, the release of the track “Donda,” dedicated to his mother, and the song “Nah Nah Nah Nah” gained immense popularity. The pinnacle of Kanye’s music career came in 2021 with the release of his tenth studio album, Donda. Around this time, Kanye also legally changed his name to Ye.
In 2022, Kanye’s sequel album, Donda 2, marked a new chapter in his career, sparking a true music revolution. He chose to bypass streaming platforms, encouraging fans to listen to new tracks on his “Stem Player.” This move underscored his independence and innovative approach to sharing music.
Women in the Rapper’s Life
West has always attracted considerable attention from women, drawn to his charisma and rugged looks. His first known partner was Alexis Phifer, with whom he got engaged, although they eventually parted ways. Later, he was in a two-year relationship with model Amber Rose.
In 2012, Kanye’s life took a major turn when he won the heart of Kim Kardashian. At her birthday party, Kanye proposed, and in 2014, they celebrated their wedding in Italy. By that time, they had a daughter, followed by a son in late 2015. In early 2018, with the help of a surrogate mother, Kanye and Kim welcomed another child. In 2022, their marriage ended in an official divorce.
In 2023, news broke of Kanye’s romance with Bianca Censori. The couple was frequently spotted together, and Kanye soon appeared with a ring on his wedding finger. Although they didn’t hold an official wedding, the couple celebrated their engagement with a small party.
Kanye continues to create new music, delighting fans with fresh tracks. He has won 22 Grammy Awards, and his unique compositions consistently top the charts. As of 2021, Forbes estimated his wealth at $6.6 billion.
