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 Omari West, known as Ye, is a highly influential American rapper and record producer renowned for his innovative musical style and often controversial public persona. He gained prominence as a producer for Roc-A-Fella Records, contributing to albums like Jay-Z's 'The Blueprint' before launching his own successful recording career with 'The College Dropout' in 2004. This album and subsequent singles, including 'Slow Jamz,' 'Gold Digger,' and 'Stronger,' achieved significant commercial success, solidifying his position as a leading figure in hip-hop and pop culture. Beyond music, West's ventures include fashion and design, though his career is also marked by controversy due to his outspoken views and public behavior.

Sections (6)

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

February 2004: Release of The College Dropout

In February 2004, Kanye West's album 'The College Dropout' was released, reaching No. 2 on the Billboard 200 and receiving critical acclaim.

2004: Release of 'The College Dropout'

In 2004, Kanye West's debut studio album, 'The College Dropout', was released. The album received critical acclaim and featured the hit single "Slow Jamz".

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2005: Late Registration Success

By the end of 2005, 'Late Registration' sold over 2.3 million units in the United States and was considered a successful album release.

2005: Release of 'Gold Digger'

In 2005, Kanye West peaked on the Billboard chart with the single "Gold Digger".

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2005: Release of Late Registration

In 2005, Kanye West's second studio album, 'Late Registration', debuted atop the Billboard 200.

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

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

September 2007: Release of Graduation

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.

2007: Release of 'Stronger'

In 2007, Kanye West peaked on the Billboard chart with the single "Stronger".

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2008: 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 on Spotify.

2008: First Solo Artist to Have First Three Albums Nominated for Album of the Year

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, marking a significant achievement in his career.

2008: Release of 808s & Heartbreak

In 2008, Kanye West released his album '808s & Heartbreak', which was later certified triple platinum.

2010: Release of My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy

In 2010, Kanye West released his album 'My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy', which was certified triple platinum.

2011: Peaked chart with "E.T."

In 2011, Kanye West peaked on the Billboard chart with the single "E.T.", as a featured artist.

2011: Release of Watch the Throne

In 2011, Kanye West released the collaborative album 'Watch the Throne' with Jay-Z.

2013: Release of Yeezus

In 2013, Kanye West released his album 'Yeezus', which was certified double platinum.

2014: NME Names West Third Most Influential Artist

In 2014, NME named Kanye West the third most influential artist in music, recognizing his impact on the music industry.

May 2015: 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.

2015: Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award

In 2015, Kanye West became the third rap act to win the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award, recognizing his impact and contributions to music videos.

2015: Named one of Time's 100 Most Influential People

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

2016: Release of The Life of Pablo

In 2016, Kanye West released his album 'The Life of Pablo', which was certified triple platinum.

2016: Conviction Expunged

In 2016, Kanye West's conviction for misdemeanor battery was expunged from his criminal record following an appeal. This cleared his record of the incident.

2018: 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 on Spotify.

2018: Release of Ye and Kids See Ghosts

In 2018, Kanye West released 'Ye', which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and the collaborative album 'Kids See Ghosts' with Kid Cudi.

2019: Release of Jesus Is King

In 2019, Kanye West released 'Jesus Is King', which continued his streak of consecutive number one debuts on the Billboard 200.

2020: First six solo albums included on Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Albums

In 2020, Kanye West's first six solo albums were included on Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Albums of All Time list.

2020: Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Albums Inclusion

In 2020, Kanye West's first six solo studio albums were included on Rolling Stone's list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time, highlighting their critical acclaim and cultural significance.