The Blueprint (2001)
West’s sound was featured heavily on Jay-Z's critically acclaimed album The Blueprint, released on September 11, 2001. His work was featured on the lead single "Izzo (H.O.V.A.)," "Heart Of The City" and a diss track against Nas and Mobb Deep named "Takeover"; West has worked with Mobb Deep and Nas since the track's release. West soon became a major name in hip hop production following the release of the album, but struggled to find a way to get a record deal. Jay-Z admitted that Roc-A-Fella was initially reluctant to support West as a rapper, claiming that he saw him as a producer first and foremost. Multiple record companies pushed him aside because he was not the stereotypical hip hop artist. Companies felt he was not as marketable as rappers who portray the "street image" prominent in hip hop culture.
More about Kanye West (From Wikipedia)
Kanye West Was Born In Atlanta, Georgia, Where He Lived With Both Of His Parents. When He Was Three Years Old (as Mentioned In "Hey Mama") His Parents Divorced, And He And His Mother Moved To Chicago, Illinois. His Father Was Ray West, A Former Black
Kanye West was born in Atlanta, Georgia, where he lived with both of his parents. When he was three years old (as mentioned in "Hey Mama") his parents divorced, and he and his mother read more...
The Blueprint (2001)
West’s sound was featured heavily on Jay-Z's critically acclaimed album The Blueprint, released on September 11, 2001. His work was featured on the lead single "Izzo (H.O.V.A.)," read more...
The College Dropout (2002–2004)
On October 23, 2002, West was involved in a near fatal car crash while driving home from the recording studio. The crash provided inspiration for West's first single, "Through the read more...
Late Registration (2005)
On August 30, 2005, West released his second album Late Registration. Reviews were mostly favorable, with Rolling Stone commenting that "Late Registration is an undeniable triumph," read more...
Awards And Controversy (2006)
In January 2006, West again sparked controversy when he appeared on the cover of Rolling Stone in the image of Jesus wearing a crown of thorns. In 2006 he told Playboy, "I throw read more...
Graduation And Glow In The Dark Tour (2007 – Present)
In 2007, it was announced that West would be starring in a series directed by Larry Charles. He has been working on the pilot episode for the past two years with Larry Charles and read more...
Kanye Omari West (pronounced /ˈkɑnjɛj/; born June 8, 1977) is a 9 time Grammy Award-winning American rapper and record producer. He released his debut album The College read more...
Kanye West's style of production often utilizes pitched-up vocal samples, usually from soul songs, with his own drums and instruments. The first major label song he produced was read more...