- Ye (/jeɪ/ YAY; born Kanye Omari West /ˈkɑːnjeɪ/ KAHN-yay; June 8, 1977) is an American rapper and record producer. One of the most prominent figures in hip hop, he is known for his varying musical style and polarizing cultural and political commentary. After dropping out of college to pursue a career in music, West began producing for regional artists in the Chicago area. As an in-house producer for Roc-A-Fella Records, he co-produced albums including Jay-Z’s The Blueprint (2001) before signing with the label as a recording artist. West’s debut studio album, The College Dropout (2004), was met with critical acclaim and yielded the Billboard Hot 100-number one single “Slow Jamz”. He peaked the chart on four other occasions with the singles “Gold Digger” (2005), “Stronger” (2007), “E.T.” (2011, as a featured artist), and “Carnival” (2024).
- For as to those who, through curiosity or a desire of learning, of their own accord, perhaps, offer him their services, besides that in general their promises exceed their performance, and that they sketch out fine designs of which not one is ever realized, they will, without doubt, expect to be compensated for their trouble by the explication of some difficulties, or, at least, by compliments and useless speeches, in which he cannot spend any portion of his time without loss to himself.