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, singer, and record producer, considered a major figure in hip-hop. He is recognized for his diverse musical approach and often controversial opinions on culture and politics. Despite being celebrated as one of the greatest rappers, his artistic accomplishments are frequently overshadowed by his public controversies and persona.
1 day ago : Kim Kardashian's emotional reaction to Kanye West's behavior revealed in new documentary trailer.
A new documentary trailer shows Kim Kardashian distressed and crying over Kanye West's behavior, hinting at an explosive look into their relationship and West's struggles.
1998: Signing with Hip Hop Since 1978
In 1998, Kanye West became the first producer signed to the management-production company Hip Hop Since 1978, founded by Gee Roberson and Kyambo "Hip-Hop" Joshua.
1998: Inspiration from Roseland NYC Live
In 1998, Kanye West was inspired by Portishead's 'Roseland NYC Live' album, incorporating string arrangements into his hip-hop production.
1999: Release of World Record Holders by The Go-Getters
In 1999, The Go-Getters, a hip-hop group including Kanye West, released their first and only studio album, World Record Holders, through West's company, Konman Productions.
2000: Production for Roc-A-Fella Records
In 2000, Kanye West began producing for artists on Roc-A-Fella Records as an in-house producer.
2001: Contributions to Jay-Z's The Blueprint
In 2001, Kanye West revitalized Jay-Z's career with extensive contributions to his album, The Blueprint.
December 2002: Release of Get Well Soon... and announcement of The College Dropout
In December 2002, Kanye West released his debut mixtape, 'Get Well Soon...', and announced his album 'The College Dropout', after being inspired by a car accident.
2002: Complex names Graduation the best album released between 2002 and 2012
Complex named Graduation the best album released between 2002 and 2012.
August 2003: The College Dropout Delayed
In August 2003, Kanye West's album 'The College Dropout' was postponed from its initial release date.
February 2004: Release of The College Dropout
In February 2004, Kanye West released his album 'The College Dropout', which reached No. 2 on the Billboard 200 and featured the hit singles "Through the Wire" and "Slow Jamz".
2004: Release of The College Dropout
In 2004, Kanye West released his debut studio album, 'The College Dropout', which received critical acclaim and included the hit single "Slow Jamz".
2005: Late Registration Success
By the end of 2005, Kanye West's 'Late Registration' sold over 2.3 million units in the United States.
2005: Release of Gold Digger
In 2005, Kanye West topped the US Billboard Hot 100 chart with the single "Gold Digger."
December 2006: Robert "Evel" Knievel sues Kanye West for trademark infringement
In December 2006, Robert "Evel" Knievel sued Kanye West for trademark infringement related to West's video for "Touch the Sky". Knievel claimed the video damaged his reputation and sought damages and an injunction. West's attorneys argued the video was satire.
September 2007: Release and success of Graduation
In September 2007, Kanye West released his third studio album, 'Graduation', which debuted at number one on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart and included the hit single "Stronger".
November 2007: Evel Knievel settles lawsuit with Kanye West
In November 2007, just days before his death, Evel Knievel amicably settled the trademark infringement lawsuit with Kanye West after being visited by West.
2007: Release of Stronger
In 2007, Kanye West had another number-one hit on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart with the single "Stronger".
2007: Graduation album release
In 2007, Kanye West released his album 'Graduation'.
November 2008: Release of 808s & Heartbreak
In November 2008, Kanye West released '808s & Heartbreak', which had a significant effect on hip-hop music and encouraged other rappers to take more creative risks.
2008: Glow in the Dark Tour
In 2008, Kanye West embarked on his Glow in the Dark Tour following personal hardships.
2008: 808s & Heartbreak album release
In 2008, Kanye West released his album '808s & Heartbreak'.
2008: West's albums nominated for Album of the Year
In 2008, West became the first solo artist to have his first three albums receive nominations for Album of the Year.
2008: West in Spotify's first ten years
In Spotify's first ten years from 2008 to 2018, West was the sixth most streamed artist, and the fourth fastest artist to reach one billion streams.
November 2010: Release of 'My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy'
In November 2010, Kanye West released his fifth studio album, 'My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy,' to widespread critical acclaim. The album, which explored themes of celebrity and excess, featured a maximalist sound in contrast to his previous minimalist effort and was considered a comeback for West. The album included hit singles such as "All of the Lights", "Power", "Monster", and "Runaway".
December 2010: End of GOOD Fridays Promotion
In December 2010, Kanye West concluded his GOOD Fridays free music program. Initiated in August 2010, this promotion involved West offering a free download of previously unreleased songs each Friday through his website, with some of these tracks later included on the 'My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy' album.
2010: My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy album release
In 2010, Kanye West released his album 'My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy'.
August 2011: Release of 'Watch the Throne' with Jay-Z
In August 2011, Kanye West and Jay-Z released their collaborative album, 'Watch the Throne'. The album was released digitally weeks before its physical release, becoming one of the few major label albums to avoid leaks during the Internet age.
October 2011: Launch of the Watch the Throne Tour
In October 2011, Kanye West and Jay-Z kicked off the co-headlining Watch the Throne Tour. The tour supported their collaborative album and ran until June 2012.
2011: Watch the Throne album release
In 2011, Kanye West released the collaborative album 'Watch the Throne' with Jay-Z.
2011: Chart Topping Single E.T.
In 2011, Kanye West topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart as a featured artist on the single "E.T."
June 2012: Conclusion of the Watch the Throne Tour
In June 2012, the co-headlining Watch the Throne Tour by Kanye West and Jay-Z concluded, after starting in October 2011. The tour promoted their collaborative album.
September 2012: West donates to Barack Obama's re-election campaign
In September 2012, West donated $1,000 to Barack Obama's re-election campaign.
2012: Complex names Graduation the best album released between 2002 and 2012
Complex named Graduation the best album released between 2002 and 2012.
2012: Co-direction of Cruel Summer short film
In 2012, Kanye West co-directed the short film Cruel Summer with Alexandre Moors, which was showcased at the Cannes Film Festival in a custom pyramid-shaped pavilion. This film was intended to complement the compilation album of the same name.
June 18, 2013: Release of 'Yeezus'
On June 18, 2013, Kanye West released his sixth album, 'Yeezus', to rave reviews. While it became his sixth consecutive number one debut, it also marked his lowest solo opening week sales.
September 2013: Announcement of Yeezus Solo Tour
In September 2013, Kanye West announced his first solo tour in five years, in support of his album, Yeezus. Kendrick Lamar accompanied him as a supporting act.
November 2013: Beginning Work on Next Studio Album
In November 2013, Kanye West stated that he was beginning work on his next studio album, with the goal of releasing it by mid-2014. Rick Rubin and Q-Tip were slated to produce the album.
2013: Cameo appearance in Anchorman 2
In 2013, Kanye West made a cameo appearance in the comedy film Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues, portraying an MTV News representative during a fight scene.
2013: Yeezus album release
In 2013, Kanye West released his album 'Yeezus'.
2013: Yeezus the most critically acclaimed album
Yeezus was the most critically acclaimed album of 2013 according to Metacritic.
October 2014: West donates to Democratic National Committee
In October 2014, West donated $15,000 to the Democratic National Committee.
2014: Initial Plan for 'Yeezus II' Release
In 2014, Kanye West initially announced a new album entitled 'Yeezus II' slated for release that year, before changing the album title to 'So Help Me God' in March 2015.
2014: West refers to himself as a Christian during one of his concerts.
In 2014, West referred to himself as a Christian during one of his concerts.
2014: West sentenced to probation for altercation with paparazzo
In 2014, following an altercation with a paparazzo at Los Angeles Airport, West was sentenced to two years' probation, anger management sessions, community service, and restitution for misdemeanor battery.
March 2015: Album Title Change to 'So Help Me God'
In March 2015, Kanye West announced that his upcoming album, initially planned to be titled 'Yeezus II' and slated for a 2014 release, would instead be tentatively called 'So Help Me God'.
May 2015: Honorary Doctorate from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago
In May 2015, Kanye West was awarded an honorary doctorate by the School of the Art Institute of Chicago for his contributions to music, fashion, and popular culture.
August 2015: West donates to Hillary Clinton's 2016 campaign
In August 2015, West donated $2,700 to Hillary Clinton's 2016 campaign.
2015: West wins Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award
In 2015, West became the third rap act to win the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award.
2015: Civil lawsuit brought by paparazzo settled
In 2015, a week before it was due for trial, a separate civil lawsuit brought by the paparazzo from the 2014 altercation, was settled.
January 2016: Announcement of 'Swish' Release and New Song Releases
In January 2016, Kanye West announced that his album 'Swish' would be released on February 11. Later that month, he released new songs "Real Friends" and a snippet of "No More Parties in LA" with Kendrick Lamar.
January 26, 2016: Album Renamed to 'Waves'
On January 26, 2016, Kanye West revealed that he had renamed his upcoming album from 'Swish' to 'Waves'.
February 14, 2016: Release of 'The Life of Pablo' on Tidal
On February 14, 2016, Kanye West released 'The Life of Pablo' exclusively on Tidal, following a performance on SNL. This followed the album's premiere at Madison Square Garden as part of his Yeezy Season 3 clothing line presentation on February 11.
February 2016: Announcement of 'Turbo Grafx 16'
In February 2016, Kanye West stated on Twitter that he was planning to release another album in the summer of 2016, tentatively called 'Turbo Grafx 16' in reference to the 1990s video game console of the same name.
August 2016: Start of the Saint Pablo Tour
In August 2016, Kanye West embarked on the Saint Pablo Tour in support of 'The Life of Pablo'. The performances featured a mobile stage suspended from the ceiling.
2016: The Life of Pablo album release
In 2016, Kanye West released 'The Life of Pablo', continuing his streak of number one debuts on the US Billboard 200.
2016: West's conviction expunged from criminal record
In 2016, an appeal to have West's conviction expunged from his criminal record was granted by a judge.
May 2017: Recording New Music in Wyoming
It was reported in May 2017 that Kanye West was recording new music in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, with a wide range of collaborators.
April 2018: Book Announcement and New Album Plans
In April 2018, Kanye West announced plans to write a philosophy book entitled 'Break the Simulation', sharing it "in real time" on Twitter. He also announced two new albums, a solo album and a collaboration with Kid Cudi, to be released in June 2018.
June 2018: Releases and Production Work Completion
In June 2018, Kanye West completed production work on Nas' Nasir and Teyana Taylor's K.T.S.E.. West also released his eighth studio album, 'Ye', and a collaborative album with Kid Cudi, titled 'Kids See Ghosts', after their group of the same name.
September 2018: Announcement of Album and Name Change
In September 2018, Kanye West announced his ninth studio album 'Yandhi', to be released by the end of the month, and a collaborative album with Chance the Rapper titled 'Good Ass Job'. That same month, West announced that he would be changing his stage name to 'Ye'.
September 2018: Announcement of Move Back to Chicago
In September 2018, Kanye West announced that he would be permanently moving back to Chicago to establish his Yeezy company headquarters there. This relocation did not ultimately occur.
September 2018: Announcement of film production company
In September 2018, Kanye West announced the establishment of his film production company named Half Beast, LLC.
October 2018: West donates to progressive Chicago mayoral candidate Amara Enyia
In October 2018, West donated to progressive Chicago mayoral candidate Amara Enyia.
2018: Ye album release and Kids See Ghosts collaboration
In 2018, Kanye West released the album 'Ye' and the collaborative album 'Kids See Ghosts' with Kid Cudi, both achieving number one debuts.
2018: West in Spotify's first ten years
In Spotify's first ten years from 2008 to 2018, West was the sixth most streamed artist, and the fourth fastest artist to reach one billion streams.
January 6, 2019: Start of Sunday Service Events
On January 6, 2019, Kanye West started his weekly "Sunday Service" events, which included soul variations of both West's and others' songs. These events were attended by multiple celebrities, including the Kardashians, Charlie Wilson, and Kid Cudi.
January 2019: Pulling Out of Coachella Headlining
In January 2019, Kanye West pulled out of headlining that year's Coachella festival after negotiations broke down due to discord regarding stage design.
October 25, 2019: Release of 'Jesus Is King'
On October 25, 2019, Kanye West released the album 'Jesus Is King'. The album became the first to ever top the Billboard 200, Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums, Top Rap Albums, Top Christian Albums and Top Gospel Albums at the same time.
November 2019: Intention to Run for President in 2024
At an event in November 2019, Kanye West stated his intention to run for president again in the 2024 presidential election.
December 25, 2019: Release of 'Jesus Is Born'
On December 25, 2019, Kanye West and Sunday Service released 'Jesus Is Born', containing 19 songs, including several re-workings of older West songs.
2019: Jesus Is King album release
In 2019, Kanye West released 'Jesus Is King', which continued his series of consecutive number one debuts on the US Billboard 200.
June 30, 2020: Release of 'Wash Us in the Blood'
On June 30, 2020, Kanye West released the single 'Wash Us in the Blood', featuring Travis Scott, along with the music video. The single was set to be the lead single from his tenth studio album Donda.
July 4, 2020: Presidential Election Announcement
On July 4, 2020, Kanye West announced via Twitter his intention to run in the 2020 presidential election.
July 15, 2020: Filing Paperwork with the Federal Election Commission
On July 15, 2020, Kanye West filed official paperwork with the Federal Election Commission under the "BDY" Party affiliation, amidst claims that he was preparing to drop out of the race.
July 2020: Statements on Taxes and Foreign Policy
In July 2020, Kanye West stated to Forbes that he was ignorant on issues such as taxes and foreign policy during his presidential campaign.
September 2020: West's Statement on Contract with Sony and Universal
In September 2020, Kanye West stated that he would not be releasing any further music until he is "done with [his] contract with Sony and Universal".
November 4, 2020: Concession in the 2020 Presidential Election
On November 4, 2020, Kanye West conceded in the 2020 presidential election via Twitter, having received 66,365 votes across 12 states with ballot access, averaging 0.32%.
2020: West's albums included on Rolling Stone's list
In 2020, West's first six solo studio albums were included on Rolling Stone's list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time.
January 4, 2021: Pressure on Georgia Election Worker
On January 4, 2021, a publicist connected to Kanye West reportedly pressured a Georgia election worker to falsely confess to election tampering, supporting claims of election interference.
August 29, 2021: Release of 'Donda'
After multiple delays, 'Donda' was released on August 29, 2021. West claimed the album was released early without his approval and alleged that Universal had altered the tracklist.
November 14, 2021: Release of 'Donda' Deluxe Edition
On November 14, 2021, Kanye West released a deluxe edition of 'Donda', including five new songs, to streaming services.
December 2021: Report on Campaign Finance Irregularities
In December 2021, The Daily Beast reported that Kanye West's presidential campaign received millions of dollars in services from a secret network of Republican operatives, with the payments unreported to conceal a connection.
2021: Donda album release
In 2021, Kanye West released the album 'Donda', continuing his streak of number one debuts on the US Billboard 200.
2021: Announcement of Jeen-Yuhs Documentary Debut
In 2021, it was announced that the documentary Jeen-Yuhs, which filmed Kanye West over 21 years, from his early days in Chicago to his presidential run, would debut. The documentary covered significant life events including the death of his mother.
January 5, 2022: Announcement as Coachella Headliner
On January 5, 2022, Kanye West was announced as one of the 2022 headliners of Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival.
January 2022: Julia Fox confirms dating Kanye West
In January 2022, Julia Fox confirmed she was dating Kanye West. During that month, West publicly expressed his desire to get his "family back" and criticized Kim Kardashian's new boyfriend, Pete Davidson. His actions were viewed as harassment, leading to the Grammy Awards dropping him as a performer due to his online behavior. Fox later stated their relationship was brief and intended to create public interest and divert attention from Kardashian.
June 29, 2022: Copyright infringement complaint filed against West for unauthorized sample use on 'Flowers'
On June 29, 2022, a complaint was filed in U.S. District Court in New York claiming copyright infringement due to the unauthorized use of a sample on the song "Flowers". The complaint alleges that West sampled Marshall Jefferson's 1986 house track "Move Your Body" without permission or compensation.
November 2022: Official Launch of Presidential Campaign
In November 2022, Kanye West officially launched his presidential campaign.
December 2022: Release of 'Someday We'll All Be Free'
In December 2022, after weeks of controversial antisemitic statements, Kanye West released a new song, 'Someday We'll All Be Free', on his Instagram.
2022: Release of Jeen-Yuhs on Netflix
In 2022, the documentary Jeen-Yuhs, which was acquired by Netflix for $30 million, was officially released to the public.
2022: Antisemitic Statements and Termination of Partnerships
In late 2022, Kanye West made a series of antisemitic statements, resulting in the termination of his collaborations, sponsorships, and partnerships with Vogue, Universal Music Group, CAA, Balenciaga, Gap, and Adidas.
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", effectively ending his presidential aspirations for that election cycle.
2024: Vultures albums release
In 2024, Kanye West released two 'Vultures' albums with Ty Dolla Sign.
2024: Chart Topping Single Carnival
In 2024, Kanye West topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart with the single "Carnival".
2024: Announcement of In Whose Name? Debut
In 2024, the announcement was made that a documentary titled In Whose Name?, filmed over six years with a billion-dollar budget and directed by Nico Ballesteros, would debut.
2024: Intention to Run for President in 2024
Kanye West initially stated his intention to run for president in 2024 at a November 2019 event, though he later withdrew.
April 2025: West releases song 'Bianca' claiming Censori left him
In April 2025, West claimed in the song "Bianca" that Censori had left him following his controversial Twitter comments. Later that month, West shared a photo showing that they were still together.
2025: Bully visual album and Donda 2 release
In 2025, Kanye West released his first visual album, 'Bully', and eleventh studio album, 'Donda 2'.
2025: Release of In Whose Name?
In 2025, the documentary film In Whose Name?, directed by Nico Ballesteros, is scheduled to be released.
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