Kanye West Biography

While his early work suggested greatness, it was on Jay-Z's now-classic The Blueprint that West first achieved it in a major way. Drawing from the Jackson 5 ("Izzzo (H.O.V.A)), the Doors ("Takeover") and the Temptations' David Ruffin ("Never Change"), West created the soulful yet gritty sound behind Jay's best tracks that his imitators (whose numbers would grow with each release) are still trying to copy today. But like any true original, West was in a league of his own—creating the future of hip-hop as he dug back in time with his unique samples to connect the past with the present in a brand new way. Before long, West was being hailed as the future of hip-hop.

When It All Falls Down…

West's groundbreaking work with Jay-Z made him the most in-demand producer in the game and as word spread of the "wonderkid from Chi-town," he would produce hits for some of its biggest stars: Talib Kweli, Cam'ron, Scarface - the list went on and on. Already having signed Kanye to their production company, Hip-Hop Since 1978 (formerly Roc The World), Hip-Hop and G secured a deal at Roc-A-Fella for West as a recording artist. Now recognized as a fiercely talented producer and MC, it seemed as though nothing could stop West - until an auto accident in October of 2002 turned his world, and the hip-hop world he was conquering one hit at a time, upside down.
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