Chicago-born music/fashion/entertainment mogul Kanye West got his start producing tracks and beats for local artists until his immense talents led him into
the fold at Roc-a-Fella Records. Under Jay-Z, West’s producing career soared as he worked with luminaries like Janet
Jackson, Ludacris, Alicia Keys and Jay-Z himself.
While Kanye West was well on his way to becoming one of the most powerful producers in the business, he was ready to take his place behind the mic and
Roc-a-Fella signed him to the label. In 2004, Kanye West’s debut album, The College Dropout was released. Shooting to #2 on the Billboard charts,
the album was a critical favorite and delivered Kanye’s first #1 hit: “Slow Jamz” with Jamie Foxx and Twista. Shortly thereafter, another single from the
album, “Jesus Walks,” with its obvious themes about Christianity, established Kanye as something of a lightning rod. He hasn’t, for one second, shied away
from that type of controversy.
In September of 2005, following the successful release of his Late Registration album, Kanye West appeared on a Hurricane Katrina benefit on NBC.
Live on NBC, an impassioned, earnest Kanye West made international headlines by going WAY off-script with the statement “George Bush doesn’t care about
black people.”
Subverting expectations has been one of Kanye West’s signatures throughout his career. Touring with U2, incorporating orchestras into hip-hop songs and
drawing inspiration from a vast array of non hip-hop sources including Portishead, Daft Punk and Johnny Cash, Kanye West does it his own way.
Following another well-documented spate of controversy involving Taylor Swift at the 2009 MTV VMAs, Kanye West delivered a massive critical and commercial
hit with My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, which featured groundbreaking tracks “Monster,” “All of the Lights” and “Power.
Now, one of the most influential and prolific artists of his generation is back on tour with Yeezus. Kanye West’s sixth studio album is yet
another stunner. Produced by Rick Rubin, Yeezus was Kanye’s sixth consecutive #1 album. With Kendrick Lamar as his special guest for many of his
North American dates, Kanye West is on the road for the first time in five years. Bringing immense energy, passion and one of the most awe-inspiring stages
we’ve ever seen, the Yeezus Tour is an absolute imperative. Show. Of. The. Year.
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