Kanye West, now known as Ye, is a lightning rod of creativity, controversy, and unapologetic genius. A maestro of sound, a provocateur of thought, and a style icon who is never afraid to take risks. His beats are infectious, and his words are raw. With a career spanning decades, Ye continues to push boundaries and defy expectations. Love him or hate him, he is a force to be reckoned with. Let the musical chapter of his life unfold, starting with chapter one- who is he?

Kanye West is a highly influential American rapper, producer, fashion designer, and entrepreneur. He is recognized for his innovative approach to music, robust artistic vision, and polarizing public persona, which have solidified his position as one of the most creative and debated figures in modern entertainment.

Business filings from his CFO show that his legal name was changed to Ye in October 2021, and later updated to Ye Ye in June 2025.

Born on June 8, 1977, in Atlanta, Georgia, Ye moved to Chicago with his mother after his parents’ divorce when he was three years old. He grew up under the care of Donda C. West, an English professor who later became his manager. His father, Ray West, was a photojournalist and a former Black Panther. Ye attended Polaris School for Individual Education before briefly living in China with his mother, who was teaching there.

His early education encouraged creativity as he started writing poetry at five and rapping in third grade. Ye attended Chicago’s American Academy of Art and Chicago State University, ultimately dropping out at 20 to pursue music full-time.

Ye began his professional music career producing beats for Chicago artists, later gaining fame with his unique sample-based chipmunk soul style. His debut album, 'The College Dropout' (2004), received critical acclaim and set the tone for a series of genre-defining albums, including 'Late Registration,' 'Graduation,' '808s & Heartbreak,' 'My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy,' 'Yeezus,' and 'Ye'.

Ye’s chart-topping hits like ‘Gold Digger,’ ‘Stronger,’ and ‘All of the Lights’ showcased his innovation and influence. His music frequently topped the Billboard charts, and his creative boundaries expanded into fashion with the launch of YEEZY.

Sumeke Rainey: An early relationship from his high school days, before he became famous. Their relationship was referenced in his debut album, ‘The College Dropout’, in the song 'Never Let Me Down'.

Alexis Phifer: He dated the designer on and off for several years, becoming engaged in 2006 before they broke off their engagement in 2008. The end of their relationship occurred following the tragic death of his mother, Donda West.

Brooke Crittendon: Brooke Crittendon dated Ye briefly during an off period with Alexis Phifer in 2006. They attended the 2006 Grammy Awards together before splitting that summer, ending the relationship amicably.

Amber Rose: He dated the model and television personality from 2008 to 2010. Their highly publicized relationship made Amber Rose a public figure in her own right and was a subject of much media attention.

Kim Kardashian: They began dating in 2012, were married from 2014 until their divorce was finalized in 2022, and have four children together. Their relationship was a massive cultural phenomenon, often referred to as heavily documented by the media.

Irina Shayk: He briefly dated the model after his split from Kim Kardashian. Their short-lived romance was a subject of speculation, with reports suggesting the relationship was never very serious.

Julia Fox: Julia Fox met Ye on New Year’s Eve 2021, and their whirlwind romance lasted until Valentine’s Day 2022. After the breakup, Fox even claimed that she was treated like a puppet by him.

Chaney Jones: Ye and Chaney Jones began dating in February 2022, publicly confirming their relationship on Instagram and appearing courtside at a Lakers game, with Jones even congratulating Kanye on his Grammy wins. But they reportedly split in June 2022 after a trip to Japan following five months together.

Bianca Censori: He married the architectural designer in December 2022.

Ye and Bianca Censori’s partnership has remained a topic of intense interest, with public appearances frequently scrutinized. As of August 2025, reports suggest the couple is still together and continues to present a united public and business front. They were seen together at the 2025 Grammy Awards, where her fashion choices sparked controversy. Ye and Bianca Censori's story began when Censori started working at Yeezy in November 2020 after Ye reportedly slid into her DMs and offered her a job.

They likely started dating after Ye’s divorce from Kim Kardashian was finalized in November 2022. Before their relationship became public, Ye released a song titled ‘Censori Overload’ in December 2022. The couple secretly tied the knot on December 20, 2022, and honeymooned in Utah. They were first spotted together in January 2023, and their marriage was reported in the same month. Since then, they have made several public appearances, including attending the Grammys in February 2025.

As of 2025, Ye’s net worth is a subject of debate. While Forbes maintains a conservative estimate of $400 million, Ye claims his wealth has rebounded to $2.77 billion, based on an Eton Venture Services assessment. His financial status has been significantly affected by the termination of his partnership with Adidas in October 2022, which caused his net worth to plummet from a reported $2 billion. This dispute stemmed from his controversial and antisemitic comments.

Ye has built an extensive and highly decorated career, earning a multitude of awards that showcase his creative influence and commercial success. He has won 24 Grammy Awards from 76 nominations, making him one of the most celebrated artists in the ceremony's history. His Grammy wins include numerous awards for Best Rap Album for works like ‘The College Dropout’ and ‘My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy’, as well as awards for Best Rap Song for hits such as ‘Gold Digger’ and ‘All of the Lights’. This remarkable achievement in the music industry is further complemented by his 18 Billboard Music Awards, 19 BET Hip Hop Awards, 9 BET Awards, and 1 BET honor, which collectively reflect his dominance across hip-hop and the broader music landscape.

Beyond his musical accolades, Ye's career achievements demonstrate his powerful influence on a global scale. He was honored with the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award at the MTV Video Music Awards for his significant contributions to music videos and pop culture.

Additionally, he holds impressive commercial records, with his studio albums achieving platinum certification and a record-breaking streak of consecutive number one debuts on the Billboard 200 chart. His enduring legacy is further underscored by a joint-record three Brit Awards for Best International Male Solo Artist, solidifying his position as a cultural force who consistently pushes creative boundaries.

From his beginnings in Chicago to his global influence, Ye has built a complex and often polarizing legacy. He is widely recognized as a creative innovator who reshaped hip-hop with his production and genre-defying albums, earning numerous accolades. His ventures into fashion with YEEZY and his high-profile relationships have also cemented his status as a central figure in pop culture. Ultimately, Ye's story is one of undeniable artistic genius and ambition, intertwined with personal and public controversy. He remains one of the most influential and divisive artists of the 21st century, regularly setting trends across music, fashion, and business.