Kanye West

Guide Note

Kanye West is a popular Hip-Hop producer, rapper and record label head whose first three albums have received a great deal of critical praise and commercial success. West has won nine Grammy Awards and has produced a number of hit singles - both for himself and a variety of other Hip-Hop/R&B; artists such as Jay-Z, Alicia Keys, Janet Jackson and John Legend.

Fast Facts

1. Name: Kanye Omari West
2. Born: June 8, 1977
3. Birthplace: Atlanta, Georgia
4. Label: Roc-A-Fella/Def Jam
5. Hometown: Chicago, Illinois
6. Grammy Awards: 9
7. Discography
8. Production Discography
9. Kanye's Awards
10. Mother Donda West died in late 2007 due to complications from Plastic Surgery
11. Broke up with fiancee Alexis Phifer in 2008
12. Produced songs for Jay-Z, Common, Janet Jackson, Alicia Keys and John Legend, as well as many others

Background

Kanye West was born in Atlanta, Georgia but moved to suburban Chicago with his mother at the age of three after his parents divorced. West briefly attended classes at the American Academy of Art before dropping out to spend more time working on music. During that time, West started producing music for local artists and eventually went on to produce records for more established acts - most notably Roc-a-Fella executive Jay-Z.

The College Dropout

Although initially reluctant to embrace West as a rapper, Jay-Z's Roc-a-Fella records eventually released West's debut album The College Dropout in 2004. The album, which included the religiously themed single "Jesus Walks", went on to sell over 3 million albums and established West as a new voice in the world of Hip-Hop.

Late Registration

His second album, Late Registration, received eight Grammy Nominations including Album of the Year and was one of the best reviewed records of the year. His collaboration with Jamie Foxx, the single "Gold Digger", became one of his most popular songs to date and eventually hit #1 on the U.S. Charts.

Graduation

His latest album Graduation was released on September 11, 2007. The original release date was changed in order to coincide with the release of the 50 Cent album Curtis. 50 Cent stated he would end his career as a rapper if his sales did not beat those of Graduation. 50 Cent later recanted his statement when Graduation outsold Curtis. Graduation sold 957,000 units in its first week while Curtis sold 691,000 units. Besides the high sales, West earned himself another 4 Grammys for the album.