Kanye West's Success and Achievements in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 2, 2026

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

Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, is a highly influential American rapper, songwriter, and record producer, recognized as one of hip-hop's most prominent figures and greatest rappers. His music is known for its stylistic diversity and impact on opening doors for rappers outside the gangster rap mold. Ye is also known for his controversial public persona and polarizing cultural and political commentary.

Sections (6)

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

2002: The College Dropout Named Best Album of the 2000s

In 2002, Entertainment Weekly named The College Dropout by Kanye West the best album of the 2000s.

2005: Success of Late Registration

By the end of 2005, Kanye West's album Late Registration had sold over 2.3 million units in the United States. It was considered a successful major album release during a period of declining CD sales.

2005: Named One of Time's 100 Most Influential People

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

November 2007: Settlement of Evel Knievel Lawsuit

In November 2007, days before his death, Robert "Evel" Knievel amicably settled his lawsuit with Kanye West after being visited by West and deeming him "a wonderful guy and quite a gentleman."

2007: Rolling Stone Album Inclusion: Graduation

In 2007, Kanye West released his album Graduation. Later Rolling Stone included Graduation in its "500 Greatest Albums of All Time" list.

2008: Spotify's First Ten Years

From 2008, in Spotify's first ten years, Kanye West was the sixth most streamed artist, and the fourth fastest artist to reach one billion streams.

2008: Grammy Nominations and 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 Grammys.

2008: Rolling Stone Album Inclusion: 808s & Heartbreak

In 2008, Kanye West released his album 808s & Heartbreak. Later Rolling Stone included 808s & Heartbreak in its "500 Greatest Albums of All Time" list.

2010: Rolling Stone Album Inclusion: My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy

In 2010, Kanye West released his album My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy. Later Rolling Stone included My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy in its "500 Greatest Albums of All Time" list.

2012: Graduation Named Best Album (2002-2012)

In 2012, Complex named Graduation by Kanye West the best album released between 2002 and 2012.

2013: Yeezus Critically Acclaimed Album

According to Metacritic, Yeezus by Kanye West was the most critically acclaimed album of 2013.

2013: Rolling Stone Album Inclusion: Yeezus

In 2013, Kanye West released his album Yeezus. Later Rolling Stone included Yeezus in its "500 Greatest Albums of All Time" list.

2014: NME's Most Influential Artist Ranking

In 2014, NME named Kanye West the third most influential artist in music.

May 2015: Honorary Doctorate Award

In May 2015, Kanye West received an honorary doctorate from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago for his contributions to music, fashion, and popular culture, marking a significant recognition of his artistic impact.

2015: Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award

In 2015, Kanye West became the third rap act to win the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award.

2015: Named One of Time's 100 Most Influential People Again

In 2015, Time magazine once again named Kanye West one of the 100 most influential people in the world.

2016: Expungement of Conviction

In 2016, an appeal to have Kanye West's conviction for misdemeanor battery expunged from his criminal record was granted by a judge.

2018: Spotify Streaming Ranking

By 2018, Kanye West was the sixth most streamed artist on Spotify in its first ten years, and the fourth fastest to reach one billion streams.

October 25, 2019: Jesus Is King Album Release

On October 25, 2019, Kanye West released his album "Jesus Is King". It achieved unprecedented success by topping the Billboard 200, Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums, Top Rap Albums, Top Christian Albums, and Top Gospel Albums simultaneously.