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 a highly influential American rapper, singer, and record producer celebrated for his innovative musical style and often controversial public persona. He gained prominence as a producer for Roc-A-Fella Records, contributing to significant albums like Jay-Z's 'The Blueprint' before launching his own successful recording career. His debut album, 'The College Dropout' (2004), garnered critical acclaim and featured the chart-topping single "Slow Jamz". He went on to have multiple number-one hits on the Billboard Hot 100, including "Gold Digger," "Stronger," "E.T.," and "Carnival," solidifying his impact on popular music.
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.
1998: Inspiration from Roseland NYC Live
In 1998, Roseland NYC Live, a live album by Portishead, inspired Kanye West to incorporate string arrangements into his hip-hop production for Late Registration.
1999: Release of World Record Holders
In 1999, The Go-Getters, a hip-hop group including Kanye West, independently released their first and only studio album, World Record Holders, through West's company, Konman Productions. Kanye West also produced the third track on Foxy Brown's second studio album Chyna Doll, which peaked atop the US Billboard 200 chart.
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: Co-Producing for Roc-A-Fella Records
In 2001, Kanye West began co-producing albums for Roc-A-Fella Records, including Jay-Z's "The Blueprint."
2001: Contributions to 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 Album Announcement
In December 2002, Kanye West released his debut mixtape "Get Well Soon...", and announced that he was working on an album titled "The College Dropout".
February 2004: Release of The College Dropout
In February 2004, Kanye West released his debut album, "The College Dropout", which reached No. 2 on the Billboard 200 and received critical acclaim. His single "Through the Wire" peaked at No. 15 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and his second single, "Slow Jamz" became a No. 1 hit.
2004: Release of The College Dropout
In 2004, Kanye West released his debut studio album, "The College Dropout", which was critically acclaimed and featured the hit single "Slow Jamz."
2005: Late Registration Release and Success
By the end of 2005, Kanye West's "Late Registration" had sold over 2.3 million units in the United States and was considered the only successful major album release of the fall season.
2005: Release of "Gold Digger"
In 2005, Kanye West peaked the Billboard Hot 100 chart with the single "Gold Digger".
2005: Late Registration Album Release
In 2005, Kanye West released "Late Registration", which was included on Rolling Stone's 2020 500 Greatest Albums of All Time list.
September 2007: Graduation Album Release
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, continuing his streak of critical and commercial successes. The album's lead single, "Stronger", became his third number-one hit.
2007: Release of "Stronger"
In 2007, Kanye West peaked the Billboard Hot 100 chart with the single "Stronger".
2007: Graduation Album Release
In 2007, Kanye West released "Graduation", which was included on Rolling Stone's 2020 500 Greatest Albums of All Time list.
November 2008: 808s & Heartbreak Release
In November 2008, Kanye West's fourth album, "808s & Heartbreak", was released by Island Def Jam. The lead single "Love Lockdown" debuted at number three on the Billboard Hot 100, while follow-up single "Heartless" debuted at number four. The album had a significant effect on hip-hop music, encouraging other rappers to take more creative risks with their productions.
2008: Sixth Most Streamed Artist on Spotify
From 2008 to 2018, Kanye West was the sixth most streamed artist on Spotify in its first ten years.
2008: First Solo Artist with Album of the Year 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 Release
In 2008, Kanye West released "808s & Heartbreak", which was included on Rolling Stone's 2020 500 Greatest Albums of All Time list.
November 2010: Release of My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy
In November 2010, Kanye West's fifth studio album, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, was released. The album was met with widespread acclaim and seen as a comeback for West. It adopted a maximalist sound, a stark contrast to his previous minimalist work, and explored themes of celebrity and excess.
December 2010: Completion of GOOD Fridays promotion
In December 2010, Kanye West concluded his GOOD Fridays program, which he had initiated in August. Through this program, West offered free downloads of previously unreleased songs each Friday via his website, some of which were later included on his album.
2010: My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy Album Release
In 2010, Kanye West released "My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy", which was included on Rolling Stone's 2020 500 Greatest Albums of All Time list.
August 2011: Release of Watch the Throne
In August 2011, Kanye West and Jay-Z released their collaborative album, Watch the Throne. A unique sales strategy involving a digital release weeks before the physical release helped the album avoid leaks.
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: Watch the Throne Album Release
In 2011, Kanye West released the collaborative album "Watch the Throne" with Jay-Z.
2011: Featured Artist on "E.T."
In 2011, Kanye West was a featured artist on the song "E.T." which peaked the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
June 2012: Conclusion of Watch the Throne Tour
In June 2012, the Watch the Throne Tour, co-headlined by Kanye West and Jay-Z, concluded.
September 2012: Donation to Barack Obama's Re-election Campaign
In September 2012, Kanye West donated $1,000 to Barack Obama's re-election campaign.
2012: Co-Directed Cruel Summer Short Film
In 2012, Kanye West co-directed a short film titled "Cruel Summer" with Alexandre Moors, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in a unique pyramid-shaped screening pavilion. The film was designed to accompany the compilation album of the same name.
June 18, 2013: Release of Yeezus
On June 18, 2013, Kanye West's sixth album, Yeezus, was released to critical acclaim. Despite being his sixth consecutive number one debut, it marked 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, the Yeezus tour, with Kendrick Lamar as a supporting act.
November 2013: Beginning work on new album
In November 2013, Kanye West announced he had begun working on his next studio album, with a tentative mid-2014 release.
2013: Cameo in Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues
In 2013, Kanye West made a cameo appearance in the comedy film "Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues" as an MTV News representative during a fight scene.
2013: Yeezus Album Release
In 2013, Kanye West released "Yeezus", which was included on Rolling Stone's 2020 500 Greatest Albums of All Time list.
October 2014: Donation to the Democratic National Committee
In October 2014, Kanye West donated $15,000 to the Democratic National Committee.
March 2015: Announcement of Album Title Change to So Help Me God
In March 2015, Kanye West announced that his upcoming album, initially titled Yeezus II and slated for a 2014 release, would instead be tentatively called So Help Me God.
May 2015: Awarded Honorary Doctorate
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: Donation to Hillary Clinton's 2016 Campaign
In August 2015, Kanye West donated $2,700 to Hillary Clinton's 2016 campaign.
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: Announcement of Swish release and new songs
In January 2016, Kanye West announced that Swish would be released on February 11, and 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 announced that he had renamed his upcoming album from Swish to Waves.
February 14, 2016: Exclusive Release of The Life of Pablo on Tidal
On February 14, 2016, Kanye West exclusively released his album The Life of Pablo on Tidal after a performance on SNL.
February 2016: Announcement of Turbo Grafx 16 album
In February 2016, Kanye West announced on Twitter that he was planning to release another album in the summer of 2016, tentatively called Turbo Grafx 16, referencing the 1990s video game console.
June 2016: Release of Champions and Controversial Famous Video
In June 2016, Kanye West released "Champions," the lead single from the GOOD Music album Cruel Winter, and a controversial music video for "Famous" featuring wax figures of celebrities sleeping nude in a shared bed.
August 2016: Beginning of the Saint Pablo Tour
In August 2016, Kanye West embarked on the Saint Pablo Tour to support The Life of Pablo, featuring a mobile stage suspended from the ceiling.
November 21, 2016: Cancellation of the Saint Pablo Tour
On November 21, 2016, Kanye West cancelled the remaining 21 dates on the Saint Pablo Tour after a week of no-shows, curtailed concerts, and political rants. Subsequently, he was admitted for psychiatric observation at UCLA Medical Center.
2016: The Life of Pablo Album Release
In 2016, Kanye West released "The Life of Pablo", which continued his series of consecutive number one debuts on the Billboard 200.
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 variety of collaborators.
April 2018: Announcements Regarding Book, Albums and Production
In April 2018, Kanye West announced plans to write a philosophy book titled Break the Simulation, and revealed two new albums, a solo album and a collaboration with Kid Cudi titled Kids See Ghosts. He also announced his involvement in producing upcoming albums for Pusha T, Teyana Taylor, and Nas.
June 2018: Releases of Nasir, K.T.S.E.
In June 2018, Kanye West completed production work on Nas' Nasir and Teyana Taylor's K.T.S.E, and they were released.
September 2018: Announcement of Yandhi and Good Ass Job
In September 2018, Kanye West announced his ninth studio album Yandhi, set for release by the end of the month, and a collaborative album with Chance the Rapper titled Good Ass Job. He also announced that he would be changing his stage name to "Ye".
September 2018: Announced Moving Yeezy Headquarters 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 did not occur.
September 2018: Announced Starting of Film Production Company 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.
2018: Sixth Most Streamed Artist on Spotify
From 2008 to 2018, Kanye West was the sixth most streamed artist on Spotify in its first ten years.
2018: Ye and Kids See Ghosts Album Release
In 2018, Kanye West released "Ye", which continued his series of consecutive number one debuts on the Billboard 200. He also released "Kids See Ghosts" with Kid Cudi.
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 his and others' songs.
January 2019: Pulling out of Coachella
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 his album Jesus Is King. It 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: Stated Intention to Run for President in 2024
In November 2019, Kanye West stated his intention to run for president in the 2024 presidential election, joking about creating 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, containing 19 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 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 a music video, intended as the lead single from his tenth studio album Donda.
July 4, 2020: Announced Presidential Run on Twitter
On July 4, 2020, Kanye West announced on Twitter that he would be running in the 2020 presidential election.
July 15, 2020: Filed Paperwork with Federal Election Commission
On July 15, 2020, official paperwork was filed with the Federal Election Commission for Kanye West under the "BDY" Party affiliation, amidst claims that he was preparing to drop out of the presidential race.
July 2020: Expressed Ignorance on Taxes and Foreign Policy
In July 2020, Kanye West told Forbes that he was not knowledgeable about issues such as taxes and foreign policy during his presidential campaign.
September 2020: Statement on not releasing music
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: Conceded Presidential Election on Twitter
On November 4, 2020, Kanye West conceded the 2020 presidential election on Twitter after receiving 66,365 votes in the 12 states where he had ballot access, averaging 0.32%.
January 4, 2021: Publicist Pressured Georgia Election Worker
On January 4, 2021, a publicist linked to Kanye West allegedly pressured a Georgia election worker to confess to false charges of election tampering to support Donald Trump's claims of election interference.
August 29, 2021: Release of Donda
After multiple delays and listening parties at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Kanye West's album Donda was released on August 29, 2021. West claimed the album was released early without his approval and 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: Presidential Campaign Received Millions from Republican Operatives
In December 2021, it was reported that Kanye West's presidential campaign had received millions of dollars in services from a secret network of Republican operatives, with payments not properly reported, potentially to conceal connections.
2021: Donda Album Release
In 2021, Kanye West released "Donda", which continued his series of consecutive number one debuts on the Billboard 200.
2021: Jeen-Yuhs Documentary Announced to Debut
In 2021, a documentary titled "Jeen-Yuhs", which was shot over 21 years and featured footage of Kanye West's early life, the death of his mother, and his presidential run, was announced to debut.
January 5, 2022: Announcement as Coachella Headliner
On January 5, 2022, Kanye West was announced as one of the headliners for the 2022 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival.
November 2022: Officially Launched 2024 Presidential Campaign
In November 2022, Kanye West officially launched his presidential campaign for the 2024 election.
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: Netflix Released Jeen-Yuhs
In 2022, Netflix released the "Jeen-Yuhs" documentary after acquiring it for $30 million.
2022: Made Antisemitic Statements
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: Attorney Stated West is Not a Candidate for Office in 2024
In October 2023, an attorney for Kanye West stated that he "is not a candidate for office in 2024".
2024: Release of "Carnival"
In 2024, Kanye West peaked the Billboard Hot 100 chart with the single "Carnival".
2024: Vultures Duology Release
In 2024, Kanye West released the "Vultures" duology with Ty Dolla Sign.
2024: Announced Documentary "In Whose Name?" to Debut
In 2024, it was announced that a documentary titled "In Whose Name?", directed by Nico Ballesteros, with a billion-dollar budget, would debut.
2024: Intention to run for president in 2024
In November 2019 Kanye West stated his intention to run for president in the 2024 presidential election.
2025: Donda 2 and Bully Album Release
In 2025, Kanye West released his first visual album, "Bully", and eleventh studio album, "Donda 2".
2025: In Whose Name? to be Released
In 2025, the documentary "In Whose Name?", directed by Nico Ballesteros, is scheduled to be released.
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