Kanye West: Life of the Progressive Hip-Hop Star

945 Words2 Pages

as Author Ben Sweetland once said, “Success is a journey, not a destination.” Kanye West has been an icon in American hip-hop culture for over a decade. His music, fashion line, producing skills, and flamboyant personality has influenced many people for generations to come. Coming out of Chicago, many people in the music industry didn't even think Kanye had a chance to become a figure in hip-hop, but his hard work and persistence paid off. Kanye started off his music career as a producer. He produced music for the likes of major artists such as Common and Jay-Z. His first major breakthrough came from producing Jay-Z’s “The Blueprint”— which is certified 2x platinum. Kanye believed he could be a successful rapper as well, but music executives didn't believe he had it in him. That all changed when Roc-A-Fella records signed Kanye to their label, and gave him a chance to shine as a rapper. Kanye’s background, critical analysis, and importance all shows that he has become one of the most important characters in American hip-hop culture to this day. Kanye Omari West was born in Atlanta, Georgia on June, 8 1977. His mom and him soon relocated to Chicago, Illinois after his parents divorced. Kanye spent all of his youth life in Chicago. He spent his time during the school year with his mother, who was an English professor, and spent summers with his dad, who was an award-winning photographer then turned church counselor. “I was taught to think on my own growing up, that’s what a lot of black kids don’t get” (Newsmakers 2). During his time in high school he became friends with producer No I.D., who was working with the rapper Common prior to him becoming famous. This is where Kanye got his beginnings in the producing industry. Kanye wen... ... middle of paper ... ... hard work and perseverance helped him accomplish his goal of become a major hip-hop star. Once he first got his shot at being a hip-hop star with the release of his first album, everyone began to see the real side if Kanye. His flamboyant fashion sense and outspoken personality has shown us the real side if himself. Like him or not, his music has inspired and touched the lives of many aspiring hip-hop artists which makes him one of the most influential characters in America. Works Cited "About Kanye West." MTV Artists. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Nov. 2013. "Kanye West Biography." Bio.com. A&E Networks Television, n.d. Web. 25 Nov. 2013. "Kanye West." PEOPLE.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Nov. 2013. Trickey, Erick. "Kanye West." Newsmakers. Detroit: Gale, 2006. Student Resources in Context. Web. 25 Nov. 2013. "World Biography." Kanye West Biography. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Nov. 2013.

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