Challenges in the Life of Kanye West in a Detailed Timeline

Resilience and perseverance in the journey of Kanye West. A timeline of obstacles and growth.

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.

Sections (6)

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

August 2003: The College Dropout Delayed

In August 2003, Kanye West's album 'The College Dropout' was postponed from its initial release date.

November 2007: Mother's death and end of engagement

In November 2007, Kanye West's mother passed away and his engagement to Alexis Phifer ended, profoundly affecting him.

November 19, 2016: West ends concert and is committed to UCLA Medical Center

On November 19, 2016, West abruptly ended a concert before being committed to the UCLA Medical Center with hallucinations and paranoia. The episode was initially described as "temporary psychosis" caused by dehydration and sleep deprivation.

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 a week of no-shows, curtailed concerts and rants about politics. He was later admitted for psychiatric observation at UCLA Medical Center due to temporary psychosis stemming from sleep deprivation and extreme dehydration.

2016: West diagnosed with bipolar disorder

In 2016, West was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, although the diagnosis was not made public until his 2018 album Ye.

2018: West discusses opioid addiction

In a 2018 interview, West said that he had become addicted to opioids when they were prescribed to him after liposuction. West has stated that he has had addictions to alcohol, sex, and pornography.

2019: West reportedly accepts bipolar disorder diagnosis

By 2019, West had reportedly accepted his bipolar disorder diagnosis, though he later suggested it had been a misdiagnosis in 2022.

2020: Presidential Campaign

In 2020, Kanye West ran an unsuccessful independent campaign for President of the United States.

October 2022: Decrease in Net Worth

In October 2022, Forbes estimated Kanye West's net worth to have dropped to $400 million, largely due to Adidas terminating their partnership following a series of public antisemitic statements.

December 2022: West suggests he may be autistic

In December 2022, West suggested that he may be autistic.

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.

2022: Controversy and condemnation for antisemitic views

Starting in 2022, Kanye West faced widespread condemnation and lost sponsors and partnerships due to his antisemitic views, including praising Adolf Hitler and using swastika imagery.

August 2024: Affidavit alleges West's addiction to nitrous oxide

In August 2024, West's former Chief of Staff Milo Yiannopoulos stated in an affidavit that West was addicted to nitrous oxide, allegedly supplied by his dentist Thomas Connelly.

2024: West sued multiple times

In 2024, West faced three lawsuits. One by a former security guard alleging racial discrimination, another by a former assistant accusing him of wrongful termination and sexual harassment, and a third by a former model alleging sexual assault and strangulation during a music video set.

February 2025: West receives professional diagnosis of autism

In February 2025, West stated that he had received a professional diagnosis of autism.

April 2025: Revelation of Childhood Incestuous Relationship

In April 2025, Kanye West revealed that he and a male cousin had an incestuous relationship as children, starting when they attempted reenacting what they saw in gay pornography magazines found in his mother's closet. The relationship involved oral sex until he was 14, when he ended it.

May 2025: West and Censori sue dentist for medical malpractice

In May 2025, West and Censori sued dentist Thomas Connelly for "medical malpractice, professional negligence, and related tortious and contractual violations", alleging Connelly's role in facilitating West's nitrous oxide addiction led to increased confusion, mood instability, anxiety, and depression.

July 2025: Lawsuit against West amended to include sexual assault charges

In July 2025, the lawsuit filed by West's former assistant was amended to include charges of sexual assault, stalking, sexual battery, sex trafficking, and false imprisonment. West denied the allegations and planned to countersue for "sexual coercion".