West is among the most acclaimed musicians of the 21st century. He is the founder and head of the creative content company DONDA. on both clothing and footwear, and have most prominently resulted in the YEEZY collaboration with Adidas beginning in 2013. As a fashion designer, he has collaborated with Nike, Louis Vuitton, and A.P.C. He has been a frequent source of controversy for his conduct at award shows, on social media, and in other public settings, as well as his comments on the music and fashion industries, U.S. West's outspoken views and life outside of music have received significant mainstream attention. West's eighth studio album, ye, was released in 2018. West released his abrasive sixth album Yeezus to further critical praise in 2013, and his seventh album The Life of Pablo in 2016, noted for its fragmented musical style. In 2010, he released his fifth album My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy to rave reviews from critics, and followed with the collaborative album Watch the Throne (2011) with Jay-Z. He went on to pursue a variety of styles on subsequent albums Late Registration (2005), Graduation (2007), and the polarizing 808s & Heartbreak (2008). Intent on pursuing a solo career as a rapper, West released his debut album The College Dropout in 2004 to widespread critical and commercial success, and founded the record label GOOD Music. West's contributions to music and fashion, along with his publicized personal life made him a global figure in popular culture.īorn in Atlanta and raised in Chicago, West first became known as a producer for Roc-A-Fella Records in the early 2000s, producing and co-producing hit singles for artists such as Jay-Z and Talib Kweli. He is one of the most popular rappers in the world, and one of the world's best-selling music artists. Kanye Omari West ( born June 8, 1977) is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, record producer, entrepreneur and fashion designer.