History of Kanye West in Timeline
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.
June 8, 1977: Kanye West's Birth
On June 8, 1977, Kanye Omari West, now known as Ye, was born in Atlanta, Georgia. He would later become a prominent figure in hip-hop as a rapper, singer, and record producer.
1997: Attends American Academy of Art
In 1997, Kanye West received a scholarship to attend Chicago's American Academy of Art and began taking painting classes.
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.
2002: Beginning of Relationship with Alexis Phifer
In 2002, Kanye West began an on-and-off relationship with the designer Alexis Phifer.
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."
2005: Time's 100 Most Influential People
In 2005, Time magazine named Kanye West one of the 100 most influential people in the world.
2005: Criticism of George Bush During Hurricane Katrina
In a 2005 speech, Kanye West criticized the government's response to Hurricane Katrina and stated on live television, "George Bush doesn't care about black people".
August 2006: Engagement to Alexis Phifer
In August 2006, Kanye West became engaged to designer Alexis Phifer, with whom he had an on-and-off relationship since 2002.
November 7, 2006: Apology for MTV Europe Music Awards Outburst
On November 7, 2006, Kanye West publicly apologized for his outburst at the 2006 MTV Europe Music Awards during his performance as a support act for U2 in Brisbane.
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.
2006: Father opens Good Water Store and Café
In 2006, Kanye West's father, Ray West, opened the Good Water Store and Café in Lexington Park, Maryland, with startup capital from his son.
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".
September 2007: Saturday Night Live Spoof
In September 2007, Kanye West spoofed his MTV Europe Music Awards outburst on the 33rd-season premiere of Saturday Night Live.
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 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: End of Engagement with Alexis Phifer
In 2008, Kanye West and Alexis Phifer ended their 18-month engagement. Phifer stated the split was amicable.
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.
2008: West states that he is a vessel for God
In a 2008 interview with The Fader, West stated that "I'm like a vessel, and God has chosen me to be the voice and the connector".
2009: Interruption at the MTV Video Music Awards
At the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards, Kanye West interrupted Taylor Swift's acceptance speech, leading to widespread criticism and internet memes.
2009: West states that he believes in God, but would never go into a religion
In a 2009 interview with online magazine Bossip, West stated that he believed in God, but at the time felt that he "would never go into a religion".
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".
November 2010: Recanting Apology
In a November 2010 interview, Kanye West appeared to recant his previous apologies for interrupting Taylor Swift at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards, describing his act as "selfless".
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: End of Relationship with Amber Rose
In 2010, Kanye West and model Amber Rose ended their relationship. Following their split, West made disparaging remarks that led to Rose feeling bullied and slut-shamed.
2010: Apology for Bush Comments
In 2010, Kanye West apologized for his 2005 comment about George Bush, stating he "didn't have the grounds to call [Bush] a racist".
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."
April 2012: Beginning of Relationship with Kim Kardashian
In April 2012, Kanye West began dating reality television star Kim Kardashian, with whom he had already been long-time friends.
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 2013: Birth of North West
In June 2013, Kanye West and Kim Kardashian's first child, North West, was born.
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.
October 2013: Engagement to Kim Kardashian
In October 2013, Kanye West and Kim Kardashian became engaged.
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: Opposition to Abortion
In 2013, Kanye West voiced his opposition to abortion, citing his belief in the Sixth Commandment.
2013: Yeezus the most critically acclaimed album
Yeezus was the most critically acclaimed album of 2013 according to Metacritic.
May 2014: Marriage to Kim Kardashian
In May 2014, Kanye West married Kim Kardashian at Fort di Belvedere in Florence. The private ceremony was subject to widespread media coverage.
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: NME names West third most influential artist in music
In 2014, NME named West the third most influential artist in music, adding to his reputation as one of the most critically acclaimed popular music artists of the 21st century.
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'.
April 2015: Baptism of North West in Jerusalem
In April 2015, Kanye West and Kim Kardashian traveled to Jerusalem to have their daughter North baptized in the Armenian Apostolic Church at the Cathedral of St. James.
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.
December 2015: Birth of Saint West
In December 2015, Kanye West and Kim Kardashian's second child, Saint West, was born.
2015: Time's 100 Most Influential People
In 2015, Time magazine again named Kanye West one of the 100 most influential people in the world.
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.
June 2016: Release of 'Champions' and 'Famous' Video
In June 2016, Kanye West released the collaborative lead single 'Champions' off the GOOD Music album Cruel Winter, which has yet to be released. Later that month, West released a controversial video for 'Famous', depicting wax figures of several celebrities sleeping nude in a shared bed.
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.
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.
December 2016: West meets with President-elect Donald Trump
In December 2016, West met with President-elect Donald Trump to discuss bullying, supporting teachers, modernizing curriculums, and violence in Chicago.
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 diagnosed with bipolar disorder
In 2016, West was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, although the diagnosis was not made public until his 2018 album Ye.
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.
February 2017: West deletes tweets about Donald Trump
In February 2017, West deleted all his tweets about Donald Trump in purported dislike of the new president's policies, particularly the travel ban.
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.
January 2018: Birth of Chicago West
In January 2018, Kanye West and Kim Kardashian's third child, Chicago West, was born via surrogate.
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.
April 2018: West reiterates his support for Donald Trump
In April 2018, West reiterated his support for Donald Trump.
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: Statement on Enslavement
In 2018, Kanye West stated that the 400-year enslavement of Africans "sounds like a choice", later clarifying his comment was about mental enslavement. He later apologized for the remark.
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.
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.
2018: Allusion to Name Change
Since 2018 Kanye West had alluded to changing his name and had used Ye as a nickname for several years. He stated in an 2018 interview that "ye" was the most commonly used word in the Bible.
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.
May 2019: Birth of Psalm West
In May 2019, Kanye West and Kim Kardashian's fourth child, Psalm West, was born via surrogate.
September 2019: Kim Kardashian states that West has had an amazing evolution of being born again and being saved by Christ
In September 2019, Kim Kardashian stated: "He has had an amazing evolution of being born again and being saved by Christ."
October 2019: West states that he loves Jesus Christ and Christianity
In October 2019, West said with respect to his past, "When I was trying to serve multiple gods it drove me crazy" in reference to the "god of ego, god of money, god of pride, the god of fame", and that "I didn't even know what it meant to be saved" and that now "I love Jesus Christ. I love Christianity."
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: 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.
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: Acknowledgment of Possible Divorce
In July 2020, Kanye West acknowledged the possibility of Kim Kardashian ending their marriage due to his adoption of anti-abortion views and wrote that he had been attempting to divorce Kardashian. He also claimed his family was trying to "lock [him] up".
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.
July 2020: Consideration of Abortion Revelation
In July 2020, during a presidential campaign rally, Kanye West revealed that he had previously considered abortion during Kim Kardashian's first pregnancy.
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: Presidential Campaign
In 2020, Kanye West ran an unsuccessful independent campaign for President of the United States.
2020: Rolling Stone inclusion on 500 Greatest Albums list
In 2020, Rolling Stone included 'The College Dropout', 'Late Registration', 'Graduation', '808s & Heartbreak', and 'My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy' on its 500 Greatest Albums of All Time list.
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.
January 2021: Discussion of Divorce
In January 2021, CNN reported that Kanye West and Kim Kardashian were discussing divorce.
August 2021: Application for Name Change
In August 2021, Kanye West applied to court to legally change his name from "Kanye Omari West" to "Ye", citing "personal reasons".
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.
October 2021: Process of Selling Wyoming Ranch
In October 2021, Kanye West began the process of selling his Wyoming ranch.
October 2021: Legal Name Change to 'Ye'
In October 2021, Kanye West's request to change his legal name to "Ye" was granted by a Los Angeles County Superior Court judge.
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: Peak Net Worth
In 2021, Kanye West's net worth was as high as $1.8 billion, making him one of the wealthiest musical artists.
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.
July 2022: West sued by David Casavant Archive for $416,000
In July 2022, West was sued for $416,000 by the fashion rental company the David Casavant Archive. The lawsuit claimed that West had failed to make payments on and return 13 rented pieces.
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.
November 2022: Finalization of Divorce Settlement
In November 2022, Kanye West and Kim Kardashian's divorce settlement was finalized. West was ordered to pay $200,000 in monthly child support.
November 2022: Official Launch of Presidential Campaign
In November 2022, Kanye West officially launched his presidential campaign.
December 2022: West suggests he may be autistic
In December 2022, West suggested that he may be autistic.
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: Abortion as Genocide
In 2022, Kanye West described abortion as "genocide and population control" of black people.
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.
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.
January 2023: Kanye West informally marries Bianca Censori
In January 2023, Kanye West and Bianca Censori, who works for West's Yeezy brand, had a private ceremony in Beverly Hills, but it was not legally binding. Following West's trips to Australia, there were discussions about denying him a visa due to his antisemitic remarks.
July 2023: Reinstatement on Twitter
In July 2023, Twitter reinstated Kanye West's account after he assured them that he would not post harmful content.
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.
December 2023: Apology for Antisemitic Remarks
In December 2023, Kanye West apologized for his antisemitic remarks in a written statement on Instagram. He subsequently made further controversial statements.
January 2024: Dentist installs titanium prosthodontics for West
In January 2024, dentist Thomas Connelly installed permanent titanium prosthodontics for West.
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: 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: 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.
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.
February 2025: Antisemitic Rant and Super Bowl Advertising
In February 2025, Kanye West went on an antisemitic 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. He also defended Sean Combs from sexual abuse allegations.
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.
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.
May 2025: Pariah Status
In May 2025, Rolling Stone reported that Kanye West's social media tirades had turned him into "a cultural and business pariah".
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".
2025: Effort to Change Social Media Handles
In 2025, Kanye West made an effort to change his social media handles from @kanyewest to @ye. HotNewHipHop noted that the public still generally referred to him using his birth name.
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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