Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, is one of the most influential, polarizing, and complex figures in modern music and pop culture. His journey reads like a cinematic narrative: a self-made artist who rose from producer to superstar, reshaped the sound of hip-hop, pushed creative boundaries in fashion, and ultimately became an infamous figure for his antisemitic remarks and bizarre behavior. But what led up to this rollercoaster ride for one of hip-hop’s biggest figures?

Here’s a look back at Ye’s career: the highs, lows and everything in between. 

1990-2004: The Rise: From Producer to Superstar

Ye first made his mark in the music industry as a producer, crafting beats for artists like Jay-Z and Alicia Keys in the late 1990s and early 2000s. His sampling style and musical ingenuity quickly earned him respect in hip-hop circles, but he didn’t stop there. He wanted to be seen as a solo artist.

His breakthrough came with The College Dropout in 2004, a deeply personal album that fused soulful production with introspective lyricism. The album spawned classics like “All Falls Down” and “Through The Wire,” a track inspired by Ye’s near-fatal car accident in 2002, which caused his jaw to be wired shut for recovery after it was shattered. 

Critics and fans alike were captivated by his fresh voice and willingness to discuss themes like religion, self-worth, and societal pressures in ways that weren’t typical for mainstream rap at the time. He wasn’t just a rapper; he was a storyteller, a visionary, and an authentic voice for a generation.

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