Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Kanye West
How Kanye West built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.
Kanye West, now known as Ye, is an influential American rapper and record producer celebrated for his diverse musical style and often controversial cultural and political opinions. Initially a producer for Chicago artists, he gained prominence at Roc-A-Fella Records, contributing to albums like Jay-Z's The Blueprint (2001). His debut album, The College Dropout (2004), was critically acclaimed and spawned the hit "Slow Jamz." He achieved further success with chart-topping singles like "Gold Digger" (2005) and "Stronger" (2007) and "Carnival" (2024), solidifying his status as a major force in hip-hop and popular culture.
1986: Original Release of 'Move Your Body'
In 1986, Marshall Jefferson's house track 'Move Your Body' was originally released. Kanye West was later sued for copyright infringement due to unauthorized use of a sample of the song.
1998: Inspired by Roseland NYC Live
In 1998, Kanye West was inspired by Roseland NYC Live, incorporating string arrangements into his hip-hop production.
1998: Signed to Hip Hop Since 1978
In 1998, Kanye West was the first producer signed to the management-production company Hip Hop Since 1978, founded by Gee Roberson and Kyambo "Hip-Hop" Joshua.
1999: World Record Holders Album Released
In 1999, Kanye West's hip-hop group, the Go-Getters, independently released their first and only studio album, World Record Holders, through West's company, Konman Productions. In 1999, Kanye West produced the third track on Foxy Brown's second studio album Chyna Doll.
2000: Started Producing for Roc-A-Fella Records
In 2000, Kanye West began producing for artists on Roc-A-Fella Records as an in-house producer, marking a significant step in his career.
2001: Extensive Contributions to The Blueprint Album
In 2001, Kanye West made extensive contributions to Jay-Z's album The Blueprint, which is often credited with revitalizing Jay-Z's career.
2001: Co-produced albums including The Blueprint
In 2001, Kanye West, as an in-house producer for Roc-A-Fella Records, co-produced albums, including Jay-Z's "The Blueprint", which helped revitalize Jay-Z's career.
December 2002: "Through the Wire" Recorded and Get Well Soon... Released
In December 2002, Kanye West released his debut mixtape "Get Well Soon..." which included the song "Through the Wire", recorded two weeks after a car accident that shattered his jaw.
2002: Best Album of the 2000s
In 2002, Entertainment Weekly named The College Dropout the best album of the 2000s.
August 2003: The College Dropout Postponement
In August 2003, Kanye West's album "The College Dropout" was postponed from its initial release date.
February 2004: The College Dropout Release
In February 2004, Kanye West's album "The College Dropout" was eventually released, reaching No. 2 on the Billboard 200, and his second single "Slow Jamz" became his first No. 1 hit.
2004: The College Dropout Debut
In 2004, Kanye West's debut studio album, "The College Dropout", was released. The album was met with critical acclaim and contained the hit single "Slow Jamz".
2005: Late Registration Album Sales
By the end of 2005, Kanye West's "Late Registration" sold over 2.3 million units in the United States alone and was considered the only successful major album release of the fall season.
2005: "Gold Digger" Peaked the Chart
In 2005, Kanye West's single "Gold Digger" peaked the chart, solidifying his success as a recording artist.
January 2007: First Sneaker Collaboration
In January 2007, West's first sneaker collaboration was released. It was a special-edition Bapesta from A Bathing Ape.
September 2007: Graduation Album Release and Sales Competition
In September 2007, Kanye West's album "Graduation" was released, outselling 50 Cent's "Curtis" by a large margin and debuting at number one on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart, selling 957,000 copies in its first week.
2007: "Stronger" Peaked the Chart
In 2007, Kanye West's single "Stronger" peaked the chart, marking another significant achievement in his career.
2007: Graduation Album Debut
In 2007, Kanye West's third studio album, Graduation, debuted atop the Billboard 200 chart, becoming his most commercially successful album to date.
August 2008: Plans to Open Fatburger Restaurants
In August 2008, West revealed plans to open 10 Fatburger restaurants in the Chicago area.
September 2008: First Fatburger Location Opens
In September 2008, the first Fatburger location opened in Orland Park.
November 2008: 808s & Heartbreak Release
In November 2008, Kanye West's album "808s & Heartbreak" was released, featuring Auto-Tune and an uncharacteristic production style that initially took audiences aback, with the lead single "Love Lockdown" debuting at number three on the Billboard Hot 100.
2008: Spotify's First Ten Years
From 2008 to 2018, Kanye West was the sixth most streamed artist on Spotify and the fourth fastest artist to reach one billion streams.
2008: Grammy Nominations
In 2008, Kanye West became the first solo artist to have his first three albums receive nominations for Album of the Year at the Grammy Awards.
2008: 808s & Heartbreak Album
In 2008, Kanye West released his album "808s & Heartbreak", which was later certified triple platinum.
2008: Glow in the Dark Tour
In 2008, Kanye West set off for his Glow in the Dark Tour shortly after his mother's death.
January 2009: Collaboration with Nike and Louis Vuitton
In January 2009, West collaborated with Nike to release his own shoe, the Air Yeezys, making him the first non-athlete to receive a shoe deal with the company. Also, in January 2009, he introduced his first shoe line designed for Louis Vuitton during Paris Fashion Week.
January 2009: Second Fatburger Location Opens
In January 2009, a second Fatburger location opened.
November 2010: My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy Album Release
In November 2010, Kanye West's fifth studio album, "My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy", was released to widespread critical acclaim, solidifying his comeback.
December 2010: End of GOOD Fridays Program
In December 2010, Kanye West concluded the GOOD Fridays free music program, which ran from August to December and offered free downloads of previously unreleased songs.
2010: My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy Album
In 2010, Kanye West released his album "My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy", which was later certified triple platinum.
March 2011: Collaboration with M/M Paris
In March 2011, West collaborated with M/M Paris for a series of silk scarves featuring artwork from My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy.
August 2011: Watch the Throne Album Release
In August 2011, Kanye West released the collaborative album "Watch the Throne" with Jay-Z. By employing a unique sales strategy with a digital-first release, the album avoided leaks and became a major success.
October 2011: Watch the Throne Tour Kickoff
In October 2011, Kanye West and Jay-Z launched the "Watch the Throne Tour," a co-headlining venture that would extend into the following year.
October 2011: Premiere of Women's Fashion Label at Paris Fashion Week
In October 2011, West premiered his women's fashion label at Paris Fashion Week, receiving mixed-to-negative reviews.
2011: Watch the Throne Album Release
In 2011, Kanye West released the collaborative album "Watch the Throne" with Jay-Z.
2011: "E.T." Peaked the Chart
In 2011, Kanye West was featured as an artist on the song "E.T.", which peaked the chart, marking another successful hit for him.
January 2012: Establishment of Donda Creative Content Company
In January 2012, West announced the establishment of the creative content company Donda, named after his late mother, with the goal to "make products and experiences that people want and can afford".
March 2012: Premiere of Second Fashion Line at Paris Fashion Week
In March 2012, West premiered a second fashion line at Paris Fashion Week. Critics deemed the collection "much improved" compared to his first show.
September 2012: Donation to Obama's Campaign
In September 2012, Kanye West donated $1,000 to Barack Obama's re-election campaign.
2012: Best Album Between 2002 and 2012
In 2012, Complex named Graduation the best album released between 2002 and 2012.
May 2013: Expressed Interest in Starting Architecture Firm
In May 2013, West expressed his interest in starting an architecture firm to expand his creative outlets.
June 18, 2013: Yeezus Album Release
On June 18, 2013, Kanye West released his sixth album, "Yeezus". The album was met with rave reviews but had his lowest solo opening week sales.
September 2013: Yeezus Tour Announcement
In September 2013, Kanye West announced his first solo tour in five years to support "Yeezus," featuring Kendrick Lamar as the supporting act. The tour was highly praised for its ambition and entertainment value.
November 2013: Next Album Work Begins
In November 2013, Kanye West stated that he was beginning work on his next studio album, planning to release it by mid-2014.
November 2013: Manifesto on Architectural Goals
In November 2013, West delivered a manifesto on his architectural goals during a visit to Harvard Graduate School of Design.
December 3, 2013: Adidas Collaboration Confirmed
On December 3, 2013, Adidas officially confirmed a new shoe collaboration deal with West.
2013: Yeezus Album
In 2013, Kanye West released his album "Yeezus", which was later certified double platinum.
2013: Yeezus Critically Acclaimed
In 2013, Yeezus was the most critically acclaimed album according to Metacritic.
October 2014: Donation to Democratic National Committee
In October 2014, Kanye West donated $15,000 to the Democratic National Committee.
March 2015: Album Title Change Announcement
In March 2015, Kanye West announced that his upcoming album, initially titled "Yeezus II," would instead be tentatively called "So Help Me God."
March 2015: Co-ownership of Tidal
In March 2015, it was announced that West is a co-owner, with various other music artists, in the music streaming service Tidal.
August 2015: Donation to Hillary Clinton's Campaign
In August 2015, Kanye West donated $2,700 to Hillary Clinton's 2016 campaign.
November 2015: Pusha T Appointed President of GOOD Music
In November 2015, West appointed Pusha T as the new president of GOOD Music.
2015: Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award
In 2015, Kanye West became the third rap act to win the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award.
January 2016: Swish Album Announcement and New Music Release
In January 2016, Kanye West announced that his album "Swish" would be released on February 11, and he released new songs, including "Real Friends" and a snippet of "No More Parties in LA."
January 26, 2016: Swish Renamed to Waves
On January 26, 2016, Kanye West revealed that he had renamed his upcoming album from "Swish" to "Waves."
February 14, 2016: The Life of Pablo Tidal Exclusive Release
On February 14, 2016, Kanye West released "The Life of Pablo" exclusively on Tidal, following a performance on SNL. The album continued to evolve after its release.
February 2016: Turbo Grafx 16 Album Announcement
In February 2016, Kanye West announced plans for another album in the summer of 2016, tentatively called "Turbo Grafx 16", referencing the video game console.
June 2016: Adidas Expands Yeezy Line
In June 2016, Adidas announced a new long-term contract with Kanye West that extended the Yeezy line to a number of stores, planning to sell sports performance products.
June 2016: "Champions" Release and "Famous" Video Controversy
In June 2016, Kanye West released the lead single "Champions" from the GOOD Music album "Cruel Winter" and a controversial video for "Famous" depicting nude wax figures of celebrities.
August 2016: Saint Pablo Tour Launch
In August 2016, Kanye West began the Saint Pablo Tour to support "The Life of Pablo," featuring a mobile stage suspended from the ceiling.
2016: The Life of Pablo Album
In 2016, Kanye West released his album "The Life of Pablo", which was later certified triple platinum.
May 2017: New Music Recording in Wyoming
It was reported in May 2017 that Kanye West was recording new music in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, with various collaborators.
April 2018: Philosophy Book Announcement and New Album Plans
In April 2018, Kanye West announced plans to write a philosophy book and revealed upcoming album releases, including a solo album and a collaboration with Kid Cudi.
May 2018: Announcement of Yeezy Home Architecture Firm
In May 2018, West announced he was starting an architecture firm called Yeezy Home.
June 2018: Album Releases and Production Work
In June 2018, Kanye West released his album "Ye" and the collaborative album "Kids See Ghosts" with Kid Cudi. He also completed production work on albums by Nas and Teyana Taylor.
June 2018: First Yeezy Home Collaboration
In June 2018, the first Yeezy Home collaboration was announced, teasing an affordable concrete prefabricated home as part of a social housing project.
September 2018: Yandhi Album Announcement and Name Change
In September 2018, Kanye West announced his ninth studio album, "Yandhi," and a collaborative album with Chance the Rapper. He also announced that he would be changing his stage name to "Ye."
September 2018: Move Back to Chicago Announced
In September 2018, Kanye West announced that he would be permanently moving back to Chicago to establish his Yeezy company headquarters there, but this did not occur.
October 2018: Donation to Amara Enyia
In October 2018, Kanye West donated to progressive Chicago mayoral candidate Amara Enyia.
2018: Spotify's First Ten Years
From 2008 to 2018, Kanye West was the sixth most streamed artist on Spotify and the fourth fastest artist to reach one billion streams.
2018: Ye Album
In 2018, Kanye West released his album "Ye", which continued West's series of consecutive number one debuts on the Billboard 200.
January 6, 2019: Inauguration of Sunday Service
On January 6, 2019, Kanye West started his weekly "Sunday Service" events, featuring soul variations of his and others' songs.
January 2019: Coachella Pull Out
In January 2019, Kanye West pulled out of headlining Coachella due to disagreements regarding stage design.
January 2019: Donation Towards Roden Crater
In January 2019, West donated $10 million towards the completion of the Roden Crater by artist James Turrell.
October 25, 2019: Jesus Is King Album Release
On October 25, 2019, Kanye West released his album "Jesus Is King," which topped multiple Billboard charts simultaneously.
November 2019: Presidential Ambitions
In November 2019, Kanye West announced his intention to run for president again in the 2024 presidential election, stating he would create so many jobs that he wouldn't need to run, but rather walk.
December 25, 2019: Jesus Is Born Album Release
On December 25, 2019, Kanye West and Sunday Service released "Jesus Is Born," featuring reworkings of older West songs.
2019: Jesus Is King Album
In 2019, Kanye West released his album "Jesus Is King", which continued West's series of consecutive number one debuts on the Billboard 200.
June 2020: Donation to Victims of Police Brutality
In June 2020, West donated $2 million between the family of George Floyd and other victims of police brutality, as well as funding legal fees and a college tuition plan for Floyd's daughter.
June 30, 2020: "Wash Us in the Blood" Single Release
On June 30, 2020, Kanye West released the single "Wash Us in the Blood" featuring Travis Scott, as the lead single from his upcoming album "Donda."
September 2020: Music Release Halt Announcement
In September 2020, Kanye West announced that he would not release any further music until he was done with his contracts with Sony and Universal.
May 2021: Yeezy and GAP Partnership
In May 2021, West signed a 10-year deal linking Yeezy with GAP to create Yeezy Gap.
August 29, 2021: Donda Album Release
On August 29, 2021, Kanye West released his album "Donda" after multiple delays, claiming it was released without his approval.
November 14, 2021: Donda Deluxe Edition
On November 14, 2021, Kanye West released a deluxe edition of "Donda", including five new songs.
2021: Donda Album
In 2021, Kanye West released his album "Donda", which continued West's series of consecutive number one debuts on the Billboard 200.
January 5, 2022: Coachella Headliner Announcement
On January 5, 2022, Kanye West was announced as a headliner for the 2022 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival.
September 2022: West Ends Deal with GAP
In September 2022, West announced that he was ending the deal with GAP.
October 2022: Adidas Partnership Terminated
In October 2022, Adidas terminated its partnership with West due to his antisemitic remarks.
October 2022: Net Worth Decline
In October 2022, Forbes estimated Kanye West's net worth had dropped to $400 million, largely due to Adidas terminating their partnership.
October 2022: Agreement to Acquire Parler
In October 2022, West reached an agreement in principle to acquire the alt-tech social network Parler, which later was terminated.
November 2022: Presidential Campaign Launch
In November 2022, Kanye West officially launched his presidential campaign.
December 2022: "Someday We'll All Be Free" Release
In December 2022, following weeks of controversial antisemitic statements, Kanye West released a new song, "Someday We'll All Be Free", on his Instagram.
2022: Antisemitic Statements and Fallout
In late 2022, Kanye West made a series of antisemitic statements, leading to the termination of numerous collaborations and partnerships.
August 25, 2023: New Album Recording
On August 25, 2023, it was reported that Kanye West was recording his eleventh studio album, with the release of new music being "imminent".
October 2023: Withdrawal from 2024 Presidential Race
In October 2023, Kanye West's attorney stated that he is not a candidate for office in 2024.
November 22, 2023: "Vultures" Single Release
On November 22, 2023, Kanye West released "Vultures" featuring Bump J, as the lead single for the collaborative album with Ty Dolla Sign.
January 2024: 4Batz Co-Sign
In January 2024, Kanye West co-signed 4Batz, calling him his favorite new artist.
February 8, 2024: "Talking / Once Again" Single Release
On February 8, 2024, Kanye West released the second single from Vultures Volume 1, "Talking / Once Again" featuring his daughter North West.
February 10, 2024: Vultures 1 Album Release
On February 10, 2024, "Vultures 1", the first volume of the Vultures trilogy, was officially released after a listening party. The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, marking West's eleventh consecutive number one album and Ty Dolla $ign's first.
April 5, 2024: Vultures Volume 3 Planned Release
In a trailer for the album Vultures, Kanye West announced that Vultures would be released as a trilogy of albums, with the third volume set to be released on April 5, 2024.
2024: Vultures Albums Release
In 2024, Kanye West released the collaborative albums "Vultures 1" and "Vultures 2" with Ty Dolla Sign.
2024: "Carnival" Peaked the Chart
In 2024, Kanye West's single "Carnival" peaked the chart, marking another significant achievement in his career.
2024: Presidential Election Ambitions
Kanye West stated his intention to run for president again in the 2024 election.
February 2025: Antisemitic Rant and Super Bowl Ad
In February 2025, Kanye West went on an anti-Semitic rant on X, professing his love for Hitler, and purchased local advertising during Super Bowl LIX which directed viewers to his website, where he was selling a swastika t-shirt.
