West began making beats and rapping in the early 90s in his hometown of Chicago, Illinois, when he formed the rap group Go Getters with Chicago natives GLC and Really Doe. He later gained nationwide popularity through his work in New York, where he began producing tracks for artists such as Jay-Z, Twista, Mase, Talib Kweli and Alicia Keys.
West's style of production often utilizes pitched-up vocal samples, usually from soul songs, with his drums and instruments. The first major label song he produced was The Truth by Beanie Sigel, and his first major release featuring his trademark vocal sampling style was This Can’t Be Life, a track from Jay-Z’s The Dynasty: Roc La Familia. West said he sped up the drum beat of Dr. Dre’s Xxplosive to use as a replacement for his drums on This Can’t Be Life.
West has said that Wu-Tang Clan producer RZA influenced him in his style, and has said on numerous occasions that Wu-Tang rappers Ghostface Killah and Ol’ Dirty Bastard were some of his all-time favorites. Said Kanye West: “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 [production] style I use, RZA has been doing that.”
In 2004 (after being pushed aside by many record companies who felt he wasn't a marketable hip-hop artist), he managed to release his debut solo album, The College Dropout on Roc-A-Fella Records. The album received critical acclaim, including 10 Grammy nominations and the awards for Album of the Year and Best Rap Album, as well as defining the style for which West would become known: "wordplay" and heavy sampling of the 70s soul and RnB tracks.
Not content to rest on his laurels, West invested two million dollars and hired a string orchestra to help with his latest effort, Late Registration (2005). West collaborated with Jon Brion to help develop the sound of the album, despite his lack of experience in hip hop production. The album received widespread acclaim like its predecessor and again claimed the Best Rap Album award at the Grammys.
West was no stranger to controversy, such as storming out at the 2004 American Music Awards after not receiving Best New Artist, but just days after the release of his second studio album, West began embroiled in a major controversy after going off-script during Hurricane Katrina broadcast, proclaiming "George Bush doesn't care about black people", which Bush claimed was "one the most disgusting moments of my presidency". In January 2006, West posed on the cover of Rolling Stone wearing a crown of thorns, once again attracting controversy.
For his third release, West was keen to produce songs that could be used more effectively when performing in arenas. For Graduation, the third and ultimately final entry into his 'Dropout Bear' series, West drew musical inspiration from The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash. In the lead up to the album he became involved in a friendly rivalry with 50 Cent over which of the two artists' upcoming albums would sell more, as they were both released on the same day. West ultimately sold 957,000 copies in the first week of release, outselling Curtis by a large margin. The albums lead single "Stronger" sampled Daft Punk, and was West's third number one on Billboard 200. Many proclaim West's 'victory' over 50 Cent to be the 'death' of gangster rap as the dominant hip hop subgenre.
Following the death of his mother, Donda West, and the end of his engagement to long term partner Alexis Phifer, West abandoned his initial plan to release a fourth album entitled Good Ass Job, and shocked his fans by releasing 808s and Heartbreak, which was full of autotune singing, extensive use of the TR-808 drum machine, themes of love, loss and loneliness and very little rapping. It received slightly more mixed reviews than his previous efforts, but many critics cite 808s and Heartbreak as the catalyst for a new wave of rappers, most prominently Drake, due to its themes which were uncommon in mainstream hip-hop.
West's grief seemed to lead to a spiral out of control which culminated in him storming on stage at the 2009 VMAs to interrupt Taylor Swift's award acceptance speech to proclaim that Beyoncé deserved the award instead, in a move that is infamous in pop culture and was vilified by the entire world in the aftermath. West disappeared from the public eye following this, and his upcoming tour with Lady Gaga was cancelled. The disgraced West, who was described as a 'jackass' by President Obama, seemed to have much work to do to return to the his former glory, but he was about to embark on what some critics consider to be the best run of his career.
West holed up in Hawaii for a few months and worked tirelessly to produce what many consider to be his magnum opus. My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, West's fifth studio album, was released in November 2010 to rave reviews from critics, which 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. During this time, West initiated the free music program G.O.O.D. Fridays through his website, offering a free download of previously unreleased songs each Friday of the week, a portion of which were included on the album. 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.
Following a headlining set at Coachella 2011 that 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. 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. In 2012, West released the compilation album Cruel Summer, a collection of tracks by artists from West's record label GOOD Music. Cruel Summer produced four singles, two of which charted within the top twenty of the Hot 100: Mercy and Clique. West also directed a film of the same name that premiered at the 2012 Cannes Film Festival in custom pyramid-shaped screening pavilion featuring seven screens.
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 the rapper's sixth consecutive number one debut. Def Jam issued "Black Skinhead" to radio in July 2013 as the album's lead single. On September 6, 2013, Kanye West announced he would be headlining his first solo tour in five years, to support Yeezus, with fellow American rapper Kendrick Lamar, accompanying him along the way.
In November 2013, West stated that he was working on and recording his next studio album. The album was to be produced by Rick Rubin and Q-Tip.. Kanye released a single entitled "Only One", on December 31, 2014 featuring Paul McCartney, as well as collaborating with McCartney on the Rihanna track " FourFiveSeconds", released in January 2015. West appeared on the SNL 40th Anniversary Special on February 15th 2015 to debut a new song Wolves, featuring Sia Furler and Vic Mensa. Another single, entitled "All Day" was released on March 2, 2015, again featuring McCartney as well as Theophilus London, Allan Kingdom. In June of the same year, Kanye headlined the Glastonbury Festival in the UK, which garnered much outrage including a petition with 135,000 signatures against his appearance, leading to West declaring he was "the greatest living rock star on the planet" towards the end of his set, and the performance receiving a mixed reaction among fans and critics, due to its controversy. In September 2015, West performed {album artist kanye west]808s and Heartbreak in its entirety at the Hollywood Bowl over two nights, which received rave reviews a featured a 60 person orchestra, guests such as Kid Cudi and Mr Hudson, and over 70 dancers. West released "Facts" at the turn of the new year.
West had originally stated that his upcoming album would be called 'So Help Me God' before changing the title to 'SWISH' and announcing that it would be released on February 11th. In January 2016 he released "Real Friends" and "No More Parties in LA", featuring Kendrick Lamar. As well as renaming the album once again to "Waves", West became involved in several twitter controversies in the lead up to the album, including with rapper Wiz Khalifa after he suggested that West had stolen the idea of the wave from other artists and seemingly dissed Kim Kardashian, which later turned out to be a misunderstanding over the use of "KK". West again changed the name of the album just days before it's release, this time to "{album artist=kanye west]The Life of Pablo", and debuted it at Madison Square Garden on February 11, but delayed it's release for a few days. On February 14, West released the album are a performance on SNL. West initially claimed the album was to be a Tidal exclusive, but it was later released on other streaming platforms, although it is yet to receive a physical release. West continued to tinker with the mixing and production of the album even after it was released, and it was updated several times, including the final song "Saint Pablo" in June 2016. West had also made public his plans to release an album in the summer of 2016, entitled "Turbo Grafx 16", based on the 1990s games console, which never surfaced, although he did release a single thought to be from the upcoming G.O.O.D. Music album "Cruel Winter", called Champions. In the same month, a video for "Famous" was released, including nude wax figures of celebrities such as West, Kim Kardashian, Taylor Swift, Donald Trump, Chris Brown, Rihanna, Bill Cosby and George W. Bush.
In August 2016, West embarked on the ambitious Saint Pablo Tour, which included a mobile stage suspended from the ceiling. After the violent robbery of Kim's jewellery in Paris in October, West had to end a show early and postpone shows following it. In the following performances, West cancelled shows early and went on long winded rants against fellow artists such as Jay Z and Beyoncé among others, as well as making controversial political statements including implying his support for Donald Trump. On November 21st 2016, West cancelled the rest of the tour and was hospitalised due to sleep deprivation and extreme dehydration. Following this, West disappeared from social media, and only resurfaced 11 months later with a series of tweets which included many philosophical thoughts and the announcements two albums in June 2018, a solo album which would include 7 tracks on June 1, and a collaboration with Kid Cudi to be released on June 8.
On August 29th, 2021, Kanye released his 10th highly anticipated studio release Donda via GOOD Music and Def Jam Recordings after a series of three listening parties.
Personal life:
West was born in Atlanta, Georgia. When he was three years old (as mentioned in Hey Mama) his parents divorced, and he moved with his mother to Chicago, Illinois. His father, Ray West, was a former Black Panther; one of the first black photojournalists at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution; and is now a Christian counselor. Kanye’s late mother, Dr. Donda West, worked as a Professor of English at Clark Atlanta University, and the Chair of the English Department at Chicago State University before retiring to serve as Kanye’s manager. He was later raised in an upper middle class background, attending Polaris High School in suburban Oak Lawn, Illinois after living in Chicago.
After attending The American Academy of Art, a Chicago art school, West attended Chicago State University but eventually dropped out due to poor grades and to continue working on his music career. While attending school, West produced for local artists, including on rapper Grav’s debut album Down to Earth. He later gained fame by producing hit singles for major hip hop/R&B artists, including Jay-Z, Talib Kweli, Cam’ron, Paul Wall, Common, Mobb Deep, Jermaine Dupri, Scarface, The Game, Alicia Keys, Janet Jackson and John Legend among others. He also “ghost-produced” for his once mentor Deric Angelettie according to his song Last Call and the credits of Nas’ Poppa Was a Playa.
West was married to Kim Kardashian. Together they had four children: daughters named North (*2013) and Chicago (*2018); and sons named Saint (*2015) and Psalm (*2019). In 2021, Kardashian filed for divorce.
In 2020, West launched an unsuccessful independent presidential campaign that primarily advocated for a consistent life ethic. In 2022, he faced backlash and lost a number of sponsors and partnerships—including his collaborations with Adidas, Gap, and Balenciaga—after making antisemitic statements.
Red Carpet Freestyle
Kanye West Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Say you all look absolutely fantastic
Kim Kardashian West: Thank you
Kanye West: Thank you so much
AJ Calloway: Are you excited about tonight?
KW: Very very excited
AJ Calloway: Who do you wanna see inside
With the performances? Whats going on?
KW: I like to see Madonna perform
KKW: yeah
KW: John Legend
KKW: I'm excited to see Kanye perform
"Only One" i know everyone
Is really hyped to see the
Paul McCartney RIhanna performance
But I am psyched to see the
Solo that'll be really special
AJ Calloway: At Superbowl
That was an amazing
Performance i saw you watched it
She liked turned in to a fan i've
Never seen Kim watch you perform
KW: What?! She's come to a few shows
Before before we were together that's how
I got her i put on a
Whole Watch The Throne concert to
Court Kim Kardashian
Turn her in to Kim Kardashian
West i need Jay Z
To be my rap partner, I need
A cube with some shark tanks, it worked out
AJ Calloway: I gotta say
Congratulations to you
I was there for the BET honours and the
Award that you were given it was absolutely
Incredible, how did that make you feel
Being honoured in that way?
KW: Sometimes it feels funny cause I've had
To deal with so much, you know
Negative energy and misunderstood and
I really had to just put my words together
I'm not not only not just about
Myself, I'm about humanity
How can we make the world better
With what I do, with my music or
My presentation, clothing, what I do
I think it's cool
AJ Calloway: Y'all been enjoying the week
I saw
You at the Roc Nation brunch, that's like
I mean, the couples, you had Jay and
Bey, you all, Rihanna in the building
Just takes it to an overload
KKW: It was fun it's the Grammy's weekend
I am just here with him
KW: It was like the old Puff
White parties, it was like freak-nick
You know it's finally good to
Get some real culture
And soul and people just
Coming together again
In these lyrics, Kanye West is being interviewed on the red carpet before a big event. AJ Calloway compliments the couple's appearance and asks them about their excitement for the night. Kim Kardashian West expresses her enthusiasm to see Kanye perform "Only One" and the highly anticipated performance by Paul McCartney and Rihanna.
AJ Calloway then mentions how he saw Kim become a fan of Kanye's during his Superbowl performance, to which Kanye responds by saying that she had attended some of his shows even before they got together. He jokingly mentions that he used these shows to court Kim and turn her into Kim Kardashian West. He also talks about wanting Jay Z as his rap partner and making the world a better place through his music and clothing.
AJ Calloway congratulates Kanye on receiving an award at the BET Honors and asks him how it felt to be honored in that way. Kanye reflects on his journey of dealing with negative energy and being misunderstood, but also emphasizes his desire to contribute positively to humanity through his music and presentation.
The conversation then shifts to the couple's enjoyment of Grammy's weekend. They talk about attending the Roc Nation brunch, where they were surrounded by other music industry heavyweights such as Jay Z, Beyoncé, and Rihanna. Kanye compares the event to the old Puff White parties and sees it as a refreshing cultural gathering that brings people together.
Overall, these lyrics give a glimpse into Kanye West's mindset and his aspirations to use his platform for positive change while also enjoying the camaraderie of the music industry.
Line by Line Meaning
First of all I got to
To begin, I must
Say you all look absolutely fantastic
Express that everyone looks incredibly amazing
Thank you
Gratefully acknowledge and appreciate
Thank you so much
Express deep gratitude
Are you excited about tonight?
Are you feeling enthusiastic about this evening?
Very very excited
Extremely thrilled
Who do you wanna see inside
Which individuals are you eager to see indoors?
With the performances? Whats going on?
Regarding the performances, what is happening?
I like to see Madonna perform
I would enjoy witnessing Madonna's performance
yeah
Agreeing in affirmation
I'm excited to see Kanye perform
I am thrilled to witness Kanye's performance
"Only One" i know everyone
"Only One" is a song I know everyone
Is really hyped to see the
Is truly excited to witness the
Paul McCartney RIhanna performance
Paul McCartney and Rihanna's performance
But I am psyched to see the
However, I am very excited to see the
Solo that'll be really special
Individual performance that will be truly remarkable
At Superbowl
During the Super Bowl event
That was an amazing
That was an astonishing
Performance i saw you watched it
Performance, I observed you watched it
She liked turned in to a fan i've
She transformed into a fan, I have
Never seen Kim watch you perform
Never witnessed Kim watching your performance
What?! She's come to a few shows
What?! She has attended several shows
Before before we were together that's how
Before we became a couple, that's the reason
I got her i put on a
I won her over by organizing a
Whole Watch The Throne concert to
Complete 'Watch The Throne' concert to
Court Kim Kardashian
Romance Kim Kardashian
Turn her in to Kim Kardashian
Transform her into Kim Kardashian
West i need Jay Z
West, I require Jay Z
To be my rap partner, I need
To be my collaborator in rap, I require
A cube with some shark tanks, it worked out
An ambitious venture, and it was successful
I gotta say
I must confess
Congratulations to you
Offer heartwarming congratulations to you
I was there for the BET honours and the
I witnessed the BET honors and the
Award that you were given it was absolutely
The award you received was absolutely
Incredible, how did that make you feel
Extraordinary, how did that affect your emotions
Being honoured in that way?
Receiving such recognition?
Sometimes it feels funny cause I've had
Occasionally it feels peculiar because I have experienced
To deal with so much, you know
To handle a substantial amount, you are aware
Negative energy and misunderstood and
Negative vibes and being misunderstood and
I really had to just put my words together
I truly had to eloquently articulate my thoughts
I'm not not only not just about
I am not solely concerned about
Myself, I'm about humanity
My focus is not only on myself, but humanity
How can we make the world better
How can we improve the world
With what I do, with my music or
Through my music and actions
My presentation, clothing, what I do
My overall image, fashion, what I engage in
I think it's cool
I believe it is remarkable
Y'all been enjoying the week
You all have been enjoying the week
I saw
I witnessed
You at the Roc Nation brunch, that's like
I saw you at the Roc Nation brunch, which is comparable to
I mean, the couples, you had Jay and
I mean, the couples, you had Jay and
Bey, you all, Rihanna in the building
Beyoncé, all of you, Rihanna present
Just takes it to an overload
Just intensifies the experience
It was fun it's the Grammy's weekend
It was enjoyable, as it is the Grammy's weekend
I am just here with him
I am simply here with him
It was like the old Puff
It resembled the old Puff
White parties, it was like freak-nick
White parties, it was reminiscent of freak-nick
You know it's finally good to
You know, it is finally gratifying to
Get some real culture
Experience genuine culture
And soul and people just
And soul and individuals just
Coming together again
Uniting once more
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
J Loc
Kanye Still killed it for a short min. Cause it was real and off the spot.
VivaLaBry
say what you want about kanye, he spits lyrics ya'll cant even think of, and he forgot better shit than you ever thought of.
TheDropout13
That was pretty good:P Dark Twisted Fantasy in stores November 16:D
Omar B.
LOL...tht last thing "U're a Beast kanye U're a Beast" is the funniest part LOOL!
D Leyton
good ass job in September people!!! :)
fullyflared16
i mean like. i feel like a rapper just needs to rap. doesnt matter if he rights it down or its off the top of the dome. it just shouldnt take him a day to make the shit up haha
The Rebirth
dem glasses is smooth
McCaskill89
well dat wasnt kanye's best but i mean wit a whack @zz beat and a white guy doing da beat, lol i dont blame him
Pedram
@iL3yt0n22 It's Dark Twisted Fantasy now dude in November ;)
Quagmire97
@BearsCutler09 Lil Wayne makes bullshit. GLC and Cons have one album so you cant really say them both.