Who is Kanye West?
Kanye West, legally known as Ye since 2021, is an American rapper, record producer, fashion designer, and entrepreneur. Born on June 8, 1977, in Atlanta, Georgia, West rose to prominence in the early 2000s with his innovative approach to hip-hop, blending soulful samples with introspective lyrics. Beyond music, he has made significant strides in the fashion industry with his Yeezy brand and has been a polarizing figure due to his outspoken nature and controversial statements. Despite facing various challenges, West remains a significant influence in both the music and fashion worlds.
Early Life and Education
.Kanye West was born in Atlanta, Georgia, on June 8, 1977. After his parents divorced when he was three years old, he moved to Chicago, Illinois, with his mother, Donda West, who was a professor of English. Kanye’s father, Ray West, was a former Black Panther and photojournalist.
Kanye showed an early interest in the arts, writing poetry at age five and later developing a passion for drawing and music. He attended Polaris High School in suburban Oak Lawn, Illinois. After graduating, he briefly studied at Chicago State University, where his mother taught. However, he dropped out at age 20 to pursue his music career full-time, a decision that inspired his debut album, The College Dropout.
Personal Life
Kanye’s personal life has often been in the media spotlight. He was married to media personality and businesswoman Kim Kardashian from 2014 until their divorce in 2022. The couple has four children together: North, Saint, Chicago, and Psalm. Following the divorce, Kanye has been linked to several public figures, and his personal life remains a subject of public fascination.
In 2021, Kanye legally changed his name to Ye, citing it as the most commonly used word in the Bible. His faith has played a significant role in his music and public image, especially following the release of his gospel-inspired album Jesus Is King.
Detailed Biography Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kanye Omari West |
| Legal Name | Ye |
| Date of Birth | June 8, 1977 |
| Place of Birth | Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupations | Rapper, Producer, Fashion Designer, Entrepreneur |
| Years Active | 1996–present |
| Parents | Donda West (mother), Ray West (father) |
| Children | 4 (including North, Saint, Chicago, and Psalm) |
| Height | 5 ft 8 in (1.73 m) |
| Net Worth (2025) | $400 million |
Family
Kanye’s family has had a profound impact on his life and work. His mother, Donda West, was not only a beloved parent but also a mentor and key supporter in his early years. Her passing in 2007 due to surgical complications had a lasting effect on Kanye, inspiring albums like 808s & Heartbreak and leading to the establishment of the Donda Foundation and the Donda album series.
His father, Ray West, has also had a quiet but meaningful presence in his life, particularly in Kanye’s spiritual and social views. Kanye often references family in his work, using his experiences as a father as inspiration for many of his later songs.
Career
Early Career and Breakthrough
Kanye began his career in the mid-1990s as a producer, gaining fame for his work on Jay-Z’s The Blueprint. His signature style fused sped-up soul samples with hard-hitting beats, quickly becoming a staple in early-2000s hip-hop.
In 2004, he released his debut album The College Dropout, which received widespread critical acclaim and commercial success. This was followed by Late Registration (2005), Graduation (2007), and 808s & Heartbreak (2008), each marking a significant evolution in sound and theme.
Musical Innovation and Controversy
In 2010, Kanye released My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, hailed as one of the greatest albums of all time. He continued to push boundaries with Yeezus (2013), The Life of Pablo (2016), and Ye (2018), each project reflecting personal struggles and artistic experimentation.
His projects often combine music, visual arts, fashion, and performance. Kanye has a long history of controversial public moments, including political statements, award show incidents, and social media rants.
Fashion and Business Ventures
Kanye launched the Yeezy brand in collaboration with Adidas, making a significant impact on global streetwear. Though their partnership experienced interruptions due to public controversies, Yeezy remains one of the most recognized names in fashion.
He has also dabbled in politics, running an independent presidential campaign in 2020 and exploring a 2024 bid.
| Year | Project/Album | Notable Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | The College Dropout | Breakthrough album, acclaimed for blending soulful samples |
| 2005 | Late Registration | Continued success with grand orchestration and themes |
| 2007 | Graduation | Defined new era in hip-hop with more electronic influences |
| 2008 | 808s & Heartbreak | Experimented with auto-tune and emotional depth |
| 2010 | My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy | Critically acclaimed, often listed as one of the best albums of the 2010s |
| 2013 | Yeezus | Aggressive, industrial sound, polarizing yet influential |
| 2016 | The Life of Pablo | Pioneering “living album” concept, constant updates |
| 2018 | Ye | Focused on personal struggles, brief album length |
| 2021 | Donda | Released in honor of his late mother, a mix of gospel and hip-hop |
Social Media Accounts
| Platform | Official Link |
|---|---|
| @kanyewest | |
| Twitter (X) | @kanyewest |
| YouTube | Kanye West |
Latest News
As of April 2025, Kanye West is collaborating with rapper Dave Blunts on an upcoming album titled WW3. The project was announced in early April, following the release of the title track. This collaboration comes on the heels of West’s previous visual album, Bully, which garnered attention for its controversial themes and statements. The WW3 album is currently in production, with no official release date announced yet.
Height and Physical Appearance
Kanye West stands at approximately 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 meters) tall. He is known for his distinctive fashion sense, often setting trends with his unique style choices. Over the years, West has maintained a consistent appearance, characterized by his confident demeanor and ever-evolving wardrobe that reflects his artistic vision.
Net Worth as of 2025
In 2025, Kanye West’s net worth is estimated to be around $400 million. His wealth primarily stems from his music career, fashion ventures, and various business endeavors. The Yeezy brand, especially its collaboration with Adidas, has been a significant source of income, generating substantial revenue. Despite facing setbacks due to controversial statements leading to the loss of several sponsorships and partnerships, West continues to earn from music sales, streaming royalties, and other business ventures.
FAQs
-
What religion is Kanye?
Kanye West is a Christian and has been vocal about his faith, especially in his more recent works like Jesus Is King. -
What is Kanye West diagnosed with?
Kanye has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, which he has openly discussed in interviews. -
Did Kanye love Kim?
Yes, Kanye has expressed deep love for Kim Kardashian, especially during their marriage, which lasted until 2022. -
Why is Kanye called Ye?
Kanye legally changed his name to “Ye” in 2021, which he explained as a reference to the most used word in the Bible, meaning “you”.
