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 celebrated for his innovative musical approach and often controversial cultural and political statements. Initially a producer for Roc-A-Fella Records, contributing to Jay-Z's 'The Blueprint,' he gained prominence with his debut album 'The College Dropout' (2004), which included the hit 'Slow Jamz.' He achieved further success with chart-topping singles like 'Gold Digger' and 'Stronger.' He has had a large cultural impact through his music and fashion, though his public persona has often faced criticism.

Sections (6)

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

2002: Release of graduation album

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

2005: Late Registration Success

By the end of 2005, Kanye West's album Late Registration had sold over 2.3 million units in the United States and was considered the only successful major album release of the fall season.

2005: "Gold Digger" Success

In 2005, Kanye West's single "Gold Digger" peaked at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

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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 of Graduation and Sales Competition

Upon its release in September 2007, Kanye West's album Graduation outsold 50 Cent's Curtis, debuting at number one on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart and selling 957,000 copies in its first week. "Stronger" became his third number-one hit.

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2007: "Stronger" Hit Single

In 2007, Kanye West's single "Stronger" reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

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2008: Spotify's First Ten Years

From 2008, the start of Spotify's first ten years to 2018, Kanye West was the sixth most streamed artist, and the fourth fastest artist to reach one billion streams.

2008: First Solo Artist with Three 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 Grammy Awards.

2011: "E.T." Number One Hit

In 2011, Kanye West was a featured artist on the single "E.T.", which peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot 100.

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2012: Best album release award

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

2013: Yeezus named most critically acclaimed album of 2013 by Metacritic

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

2014: Named Third Most Influential Artist by NME

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

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: Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award

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

2015: Time's 100 Most Influential People

In 2015, Time magazine named Kanye West one of the 100 most influential people in the world for the second time.

2016: Conviction Expunged

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

2018: Spotify's First Ten Years

From 2008 to 2018, Kanye West was the sixth most streamed artist, and the fourth fastest artist to reach one billion streams on Spotify.

October 25, 2019: Release of Jesus Is King Album

On October 25, 2019, Kanye West released the album Jesus Is King, which topped the Billboard 200, Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums, Top Rap Albums, Top Christian Albums, and Top Gospel Albums charts simultaneously.