Kanye West's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Kanye West. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

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

2002: Complex names Graduation the best album released between 2002 and 2012

Complex named Graduation the best album released between 2002 and 2012.

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".

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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."

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2005: Time's 100 Most Influential People

In 2005, Time magazine named Kanye West one of the 100 most influential people in the world.

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".

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2007: Release of Stronger

In 2007, Kanye West had another number-one hit on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart with the single "Stronger".

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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.

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".

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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."

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2012: Complex names Graduation the best album released between 2002 and 2012

Complex named Graduation the best album released between 2002 and 2012.

2013: Yeezus the most critically acclaimed album

Yeezus was the most critically acclaimed album of 2013 according to Metacritic.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.