Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Kanye West

How Kanye West built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Kanye Omari West, known as Ye, is a highly influential American rapper and record producer renowned for his innovative musical style and often controversial public persona. He gained prominence as a producer for Roc-A-Fella Records, contributing to albums like Jay-Z's 'The Blueprint' before launching his own successful recording career with 'The College Dropout' in 2004. This album and subsequent singles, including 'Slow Jamz,' 'Gold Digger,' and 'Stronger,' achieved significant commercial success, solidifying his position as a leading figure in hip-hop and pop culture. Beyond music, West's ventures include fashion and design, though his career is also marked by controversy due to his outspoken views and public behavior.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1996: First official production credits

In 1996, Kanye West received his first official production credits, producing eight tracks on 'Down to Earth', the debut album of Chicago-based rapper Grav.

1998: Signed to Hip Hop Since 1978

In 1998, Kanye West became the first producer signed to the management-production company Hip Hop Since 1978.

1998: Inspired by Roseland NYC Live

In 1998, Kanye West got inspired by Roseland NYC Live, a live album by Portishead.

1999: Release of World Record Holders by the Go-Getters

In 1999, Kanye West released the first and only studio album 'World Record Holders' through his company, Konman Productions with hip-hop group Go-Getters.

2000: In-house producer for Roc-A-Fella Records

In 2000, Kanye West began producing for artists on Roc-A-Fella Records as an in-house producer.

2001: Extensive contribution to Jay-Z's The Blueprint

In 2001, Kanye West revitalized Jay-Z's career with extensive contributions to his album 'The Blueprint'.

2001: Co-producing Jay-Z's 'The Blueprint'

In 2001, Kanye West worked as an in-house producer for Roc-A-Fella Records and co-produced albums, including Jay-Z's 'The Blueprint'. This was before he signed with the label as a recording artist.

December 2002: Released 'Get Well Soon...' mixtape

In December 2002, Kanye West released his debut mixtape 'Get Well Soon...' and announced he was working on 'The College Dropout' album, after surviving a car crash earlier that year.

August 2003: The College Dropout postponed

In August 2003, Kanye West's album 'The College Dropout' was initially scheduled for release but was postponed three times.

February 2004: Release of The College Dropout

In February 2004, Kanye West's album 'The College Dropout' was released, reaching No. 2 on the Billboard 200 and receiving critical acclaim.

2004: Release of 'The College Dropout'

In 2004, Kanye West's debut studio album, 'The College Dropout', was released. The album received critical acclaim and featured the hit single "Slow Jamz".

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2005: Late Registration Success

By the end of 2005, 'Late Registration' sold over 2.3 million units in the United States and was considered a successful album release.

2005: Release of 'Gold Digger'

In 2005, Kanye West peaked on the Billboard chart with the single "Gold Digger".

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2005: Release of Late Registration

In 2005, Kanye West's second studio album, 'Late Registration', debuted atop the Billboard 200.

September 2007: Release of Graduation

In September 2007, Kanye West's third studio album, 'Graduation', was released, debuting at number one on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart and selling 957,000 copies in its first week.

2007: Release of 'Stronger'

In 2007, Kanye West peaked on the Billboard chart with the single "Stronger".

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November 2008: Release of 808s & Heartbreak

In November 2008, Kanye West released '808s & Heartbreak'. The lead single "Love Lockdown" debuted at number three on the Billboard Hot 100, while follow-up single "Heartless" debuted at number four.

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2008: 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 on Spotify.

2008: First Solo Artist to Have First Three Albums Nominated for Album of the Year

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, marking a significant achievement in his career.

2008: Release of 808s & Heartbreak

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.

November 2010: Release of My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy

In November 2010, Kanye West released his fifth studio album, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy. The album received widespread critical acclaim, with many considering it his best work. The album featured hits like "All of the Lights", "Power", "Monster", and "Runaway".

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December 2010: End of GOOD Fridays promotion

In December 2010, Kanye West concluded the GOOD Fridays free music program, which he initiated in August 2010. This promotion offered a free download of previously unreleased songs each Friday through his website, with some of the tracks later included on the 'My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy' album.

2010: Release of My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy

In 2010, Kanye West released his album 'My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy', which was certified triple platinum.

August 2011: Release of Watch the Throne

In August 2011, Kanye West and Jay-Z released their collaborative album, Watch the Throne. It became one of the few major label albums to avoid leaking before its official release by employing a digital-first release strategy.

October 2011: Start of Watch the Throne Tour

In October 2011, Kanye West and Jay-Z kicked off the co-headlining Watch the Throne Tour.

2011: Peaked chart with "E.T."

In 2011, Kanye West peaked on the Billboard chart with the single "E.T.", as a featured artist.

2011: Release of Watch the Throne

In 2011, Kanye West released the collaborative album 'Watch the Throne' with Jay-Z.

June 2012: Conclusion of Watch the Throne Tour

In June 2012, Kanye West and Jay-Z concluded the Watch the Throne Tour, which began in October 2011.

September 2012: Donation to Obama's Re-election Campaign

In September 2012, Kanye West donated $1,000 to Barack Obama's re-election campaign, supporting Obama's bid for a second term as President.

2012: Co-directing Cruel Summer

In 2012, Kanye West co-directed the short film "Cruel Summer" with Alexandre Moors, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival. The film was designed to complement the compilation album of the same name, which was slated for release later in 2012.

June 18, 2013: Release of Yeezus

On June 18, 2013, Kanye West's sixth album, Yeezus, was released to critical acclaim. It marked his sixth consecutive number one debut, though with his lowest solo opening week sales.

September 2013: Announcement of Yeezus Tour

In September 2013, Kanye West announced his first solo tour in five years to support Yeezus, with Kendrick Lamar as the supporting act.

November 2013: Beginning Work on Next Album

In November 2013, Kanye West announced that he was beginning work on his next studio album, with the hope of releasing it by mid-2014. The production was to be handled by Rick Rubin and Q-Tip.

2013: Cameo in Anchorman 2

In 2013, Kanye West made a cameo appearance as an MTV News representative in the fight scene of the comedy film, "Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues".

2013: Release of Yeezus

In 2013, Kanye West released his album 'Yeezus', which was certified double platinum.

October 2014: Donation to Democratic National Committee

In October 2014, Kanye West donated $15,000 to the Democratic National Committee, contributing to the party's political efforts.

March 2015: Album Title Change Announcement

In March 2015, Kanye West announced that his upcoming album, initially called Yeezus II and slated for a 2014 release, would instead be tentatively titled So Help Me God.

August 2015: Donation to Hillary Clinton's Campaign

In August 2015, Kanye West donated $2,700 to Hillary Clinton's 2016 presidential campaign, showing his support for her candidacy.

2015: Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award

In 2015, Kanye West became the third rap act to win the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award, recognizing his impact and contributions to music videos.

January 2016: Release Date and New Music

In January 2016, Kanye West announced that his album Swish would be released on February 11. He also released new songs "Real Friends" and a snippet of "No More Parties in LA" with Kendrick Lamar.

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January 26, 2016: Album Renamed to Waves

On January 26, 2016, Kanye West announced that he had changed the name of his upcoming album from Swish to Waves.

February 14, 2016: The Life of Pablo Tidal Exclusive Release

On February 14, 2016, Kanye West released his album The Life of Pablo exclusively on Tidal, following a performance on SNL.

February 2016: Turbo Grafx 16 Announcement

In February 2016, Kanye West mentioned his plans for another album, tentatively called Turbo Grafx 16, a reference to the 1990s video game console.

June 2016: Release of Champions and Famous Video

In June 2016, Kanye West released "Champions", the lead single from the GOOD Music album Cruel Winter. He also released a controversial video for "Famous" featuring wax figures of various celebrities.

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August 2016: Start of Saint Pablo Tour

In August 2016, Kanye West began the Saint Pablo Tour to promote The Life of Pablo. The performances featured a mobile stage suspended from the ceiling.

November 21, 2016: Cancellation of Saint Pablo Tour and Hospitalization

On November 21, 2016, Kanye West cancelled the remaining 21 dates on the Saint Pablo Tour, following erratic behavior. He was subsequently admitted to UCLA Medical Center for psychiatric observation.

2016: Release of The Life of Pablo

In 2016, Kanye West released his album 'The Life of Pablo', which was certified triple platinum.

May 2017: Recording New Music in Wyoming

In May 2017, it was reported that Kanye West was recording new music in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, with a wide range of collaborators.

April 2018: Book Announcement and New Albums

In April 2018, Kanye West announced plans to write a philosophy book titled Break the Simulation. He also announced two new albums to be released in June: a solo album and a collaboration with Kid Cudi called Kids See Ghosts.

June 2018: Releases of Nasir and K.T.S.E.

In June 2018, Kanye West completed production work on Nas' Nasir and Teyana Taylor's K.T.S.E., both of which were released this month. Kanye had also released his album "Ye" the week before, and Kids See Ghosts the week after.

September 2018: Announcement of Yandhi and Stage Name Change

In September 2018, Kanye West announced his ninth studio album Yandhi, slated for release by the end of the month, and a collaborative album with Chance the Rapper titled Good Ass Job. He also announced he would be changing his stage name to "Ye".

September 2018: Planned Move Back to Chicago

In September 2018, Kanye West announced plans to move back to Chicago and establish his Yeezy company headquarters there, which did not occur.

September 2018: Announcing Half Beast, LLC

In September 2018, Kanye West announced the launch of his film production company, named "Half Beast, LLC".

October 2018: Donation to Amara Enyia

In October 2018, Kanye West donated to progressive Chicago mayoral candidate Amara Enyia, supporting her campaign for mayor.

2018: 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 on Spotify.

2018: Release of Ye and Kids See Ghosts

In 2018, Kanye West released 'Ye', which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and the collaborative album 'Kids See Ghosts' with Kid Cudi.

January 6, 2019: Start of Sunday Service Events

On January 6, 2019, Kanye West initiated his weekly "Sunday Service" events, featuring soul variations of his and other artists' songs, attended by celebrities.

October 25, 2019: Jesus Is King Release

On October 25, 2019, Kanye West released his album Jesus Is King, which topped multiple Billboard charts simultaneously.

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, but joked that he would create so many jobs that he wouldn't need to run.

December 25, 2019: Release of Jesus Is Born

On December 25, 2019, Kanye West and Sunday Service released Jesus Is Born, which included re-worked versions of older West songs.

2019: Release of Jesus Is King

In 2019, Kanye West released 'Jesus Is King', which continued his streak of consecutive number one debuts on the Billboard 200.

June 30, 2020: Wash Us in the Blood Release

On June 30, 2020, Kanye West released "Wash Us in the Blood" featuring Travis Scott, the lead single from his upcoming album Donda.

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July 4, 2020: Presidential Run Announcement

On July 4, 2020, Kanye West announced via Twitter that he would be running in the 2020 presidential election.

July 15, 2020: Presidential Paperwork Filed

On July 15, 2020, official paperwork was filed with the Federal Election Commission for Kanye West, under the "BDY" Party affiliation, amid claims that he was preparing to drop out of the presidential race.

July 2020: Presidential Campaign Details

In July 2020, Kanye West aligned himself with the philosophy of a consistent life ethic and advocated for the creation of a culture of life. In July 2020, West told Forbes that he is ignorant on issues such as taxes and foreign policy.

September 2020: Hiatus Announcement

In September 2020, Kanye West announced that he would not release any further music until he was "done with [his] contract with Sony and Universal."

November 4, 2020: Concession in 2020 presidential election

On November 4, 2020, Kanye West conceded in the 2020 presidential election on Twitter. He received 66,365 votes in the 12 states he had ballot access in, averaging 0.32%.

August 29, 2021: Donda Album Release

On August 29, 2021, Kanye West's album Donda was released after multiple delays. West claimed it was released without his approval and that Universal altered the tracklist.

November 14, 2021: Donda Deluxe Edition Release

On November 14, 2021, Kanye West released a deluxe edition of Donda with five new songs to streaming services.

2021: Release of Donda

In 2021, Kanye West released 'Donda', which continued his series of consecutive number one debuts on the Billboard 200.

2021: Jeen-Yuhs documentary announced

In 2021, it was announced that a documentary titled "Jeen-Yuhs", featuring 21 years of footage of Kanye West's life, from his early days in Chicago to his presidential run and the death of his mother, would debut.

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.

November 2022: Officially launched presidential campaign

In November 2022, Kanye West officially launched his presidential campaign and claimed to have asked former president Donald Trump to be his running mate.

December 2022: Release of 'Someday We'll All Be Free'

In December 2022, Kanye West released a new song, "Someday We'll All Be Free", on his Instagram account following weeks of controversial antisemitic statements.

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2022: Netflix releases Jeen-Yuhs documentary

In 2022, Netflix released the documentary "Jeen-Yuhs", which was acquired for $30 million. The documentary features footage of Kanye West's early days, the death of his mother, and his presidential run.