Kanye West is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, record producer, and fashion designer. He was born on June 8, 1977, in Atlanta, Georgia, and raised in Chicago, Illinois. West first gained fame as a producer for Roc-A-Fella Records, where he produced hit singles for various artists.
West released his debut album, “The College Dropout,” in 2004, which was a critical and commercial success. He has since released several more albums, including “Late Registration” (2005), “Graduation” (2007), “808s & Heartbreak” (2008), “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy” (2010), “Yeezus” (2013), “The Life of Pablo” (2016), “Ye” (2018), and “Jesus Is King” (2019).
Throughout his career, West has been known for his innovative production style, outspoken views, and controversial behavior. He has won numerous awards, including 22 Grammy Awards, making him one of the most awarded artists in Grammy history. West has also ventured into fashion design, with his Yeezy brand becoming highly successful.
Despite his controversies, West remains one of the most influential and critically acclaimed artists in the music industry, known for pushing boundaries and challenging conventions.
1. Stronger
“Stronger” is a song by American rapper Kanye West, released in 2007 as the lead single from his third studio album, “Graduation.” The song features vocals from Daft Punk and samples their track “Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger.”
“Stronger” is a hip hop and electro house track with a driving beat and futuristic sound. The song’s lyrics depict themes of resilience, self-empowerment, and overcoming adversity. West raps about his personal struggles and determination to persevere in the face of challenges, with the chorus proclaiming, “That, that, that don’t kill me can only make me stronger.”
The song’s production features a pulsating bassline, synthesizer chords, and electronic elements, creating a dynamic and energetic atmosphere. Daft Punk’s iconic vocoder vocals add to the song’s futuristic and otherworldly vibe, while West’s confident delivery and catchy flow make it a standout track on “Graduation.”
The music video for “Stronger” features futuristic and sci-fi-inspired visuals, with West depicted in a futuristic cityscape and various high-tech settings. The video’s sleek and stylish aesthetic complements the song’s electronic sound and adds to its appeal.
“Stronger” was a commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in multiple countries and earning critical acclaim from music critics. The song’s infectious beat, memorable hook, and empowering lyrics resonated with listeners, making it one of Kanye West’s most iconic and enduring songs.
2. Gold Digger (feat. Jamie Foxx)
“Gold Digger” is a song by American rapper Kanye West, featuring guest vocals from actor and singer Jamie Foxx. It was released in 2005 as the second single from West’s second studio album, “Late Registration.” The song was written by Kanye West, Shawn Carter (Jay-Z), Ray Charles, Renald Richard, and DeVon Harris.
“Gold Digger” is a hip hop and R&B track with a catchy beat and infectious melody. The song’s lyrics depict themes of materialism, greed, and opportunism, with West and Foxx singing and rapping about people who pursue relationships for financial gain. The chorus features Foxx’s soulful vocals interpolating Ray Charles’s song “I Got a Woman,” adding a nostalgic and soulful touch to the track.
The song’s production features a sample of Ray Charles’s “I Got a Woman,” as well as a prominent beat and horn section, creating a lively and energetic sound. West’s clever wordplay and Foxx’s charismatic delivery add depth and humor to the song, making it a standout track on “Late Registration.”
The music video for “Gold Digger” features West and Foxx in various settings, including a nightclub and a mansion, as they interact with women who are depicted as gold diggers. The video’s playful and satirical tone complements the song’s themes and adds visual interest to the overall presentation.
“Gold Digger” was a commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in multiple countries and earning critical acclaim from music critics. The song’s infectious melody, catchy hook, and witty lyrics resonated with listeners, making it one of Kanye West’s most popular and recognizable songs.
3. Heartless
“Heartless” is a song by The Weeknd, released in 2020 as part of his fourth studio album, “After Hours.” The song is a dark, synth-heavy track with a haunting melody and introspective lyrics.
In “Heartless,” The Weeknd sings about his struggles with fame, relationships, and inner demons. The lyrics convey a sense of numbness and detachment, with The Weeknd expressing his feelings of emptiness and disillusionment.
The song’s production features a driving beat, atmospheric synths, and The Weeknd’s signature falsetto vocals. “Heartless” was a commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in several countries and earning critical acclaim for its moody and atmospheric sound.
The song’s music video, which features The Weeknd wandering through a neon-lit cityscape, further added to its popularity and cemented its status as one of The Weeknd’s most iconic songs.
4. All of the Lights
“All of the Lights” is a song by American rapper Kanye West, featuring additional vocals from several artists including Rihanna, Kid Cudi, and Fergie. It was released in 2010 as the fourth single from West’s fifth studio album, “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy.” The song was written by Kanye West, Jeff Bhasker, Malik Jones, Warren Trotter, and several other contributors.
“All of the Lights” is a hip hop and R&B track with a grand and anthemic sound. The song’s lyrics explore themes of fame, success, and the pressures of celebrity life. West reflects on his own experiences and struggles, as well as the broader issues faced by society, with a sense of urgency and introspection.
The song’s production features a dramatic and orchestral arrangement, with layers of brass instruments, synthesizers, and percussion creating a rich and dynamic sound. Rihanna’s powerful vocals on the chorus add to the song’s emotional impact, while the contributions from other guest artists provide additional depth and texture.
The music video for “All of the Lights” was directed by Hype Williams and features a visually stunning montage of colorful lights and images, interspersed with footage of West and Rihanna. The video’s bold and cinematic style complements the song’s epic sound and adds to its visual appeal.
“All of the Lights” was a commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in multiple countries and earning critical acclaim from music critics. The song’s innovative production, powerful vocals, and thought-provoking lyrics made it a standout track on “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy” and a fan favorite among Kanye West’s discography.
5. Jesus Walks
“Jesus Walks” is a song by Kanye West, released in 2004 as the third single from his debut album, “The College Dropout.” The song is a hip-hop track with gospel influences and socially conscious lyrics.
In “Jesus Walks,” Kanye West raps about his faith in God and the struggles he faces as he tries to navigate life’s challenges. The song’s lyrics touch on themes of faith, redemption, and the role of religion in society.
The song’s production features a soulful sample of a gospel choir, giving it a powerful and uplifting sound. “Jesus Walks” was a critical and commercial success, earning praise for its innovative production and thought-provoking lyrics.
The song’s music video, which features imagery of Jesus Christ and scenes of urban life, further added to its impact and helped to solidify Kanye West’s reputation as a groundbreaking artist. “Jesus Walks” is often cited as one of Kanye West’s greatest songs and has been praised for its cultural significance and lasting impact.
6. Can’t Tell Me Nothing
“Can’t Tell Me Nothing” is a song by American rapper Kanye West, released in 2007 as the lead single from his third studio album, “Graduation.” The song was written by Kanye West, Aldrin Davis (known as “Chester Bennington” of Linkin Park), and Connie Mitchell.
“Can’t Tell Me Nothing” is a hip hop track with a soulful and introspective vibe. The song’s lyrics reflect on West’s rise to fame and success, as well as his struggles and perseverance in the face of adversity. West expresses a sense of defiance and confidence, asserting his independence and refusing to be held back by others’ opinions or expectations.
The song’s production features a minimalist and atmospheric arrangement, with a haunting melody and sparse instrumentation. West’s introspective lyrics are complemented by a soulful vocal sample and a hypnotic beat, creating a moody and reflective mood.
The music video for “Can’t Tell Me Nothing” features West in various settings, including a desert landscape and a rodeo arena, as well as footage of him performing onstage. The video’s cinematic style and imagery add to the song’s introspective themes and enhance its emotional impact.
“Can’t Tell Me Nothing” was a commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in multiple countries and earning critical acclaim from music critics. The song’s introspective lyrics, soulful production, and West’s impassioned delivery made it a standout track on “Graduation” and a fan favorite among Kanye West’s discography.
7. Power
“Power” is a song by Kanye West, released in 2010 as the lead single from his fifth studio album, “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy.” The song is a hip-hop track with a powerful and anthemic sound.
In “Power,” Kanye West raps about his rise to fame, his struggles with critics and the media, and his determination to overcome obstacles. The song’s lyrics convey a sense of confidence and defiance, with West asserting his strength and resilience.
The song’s production features a sample of “21st Century Schizoid Man” by King Crimson, giving it a hard-hitting and intense sound. “Power” was a commercial success, reaching the top 40 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and earning critical acclaim for its bold production and thought-provoking lyrics.
The song’s music video, which features surreal and symbolic imagery, further added to its impact and helped to solidify Kanye West’s reputation as a visionary artist. “Power” is often cited as one of Kanye West’s greatest songs and has been praised for its innovative production and lyrical depth.
8. Black Skinhead
“Black Skinhead” is a song by American rapper Kanye West, released in 2013 as the first single from his sixth studio album, “Yeezus.” The song was written by Kanye West, CyHi the Prynce, Lupe Fiasco, Malik Jones, Elon Rutberg, Mike Dean, and Derrick Watkins.
“Black Skinhead” is a hip hop and industrial rock track with aggressive and confrontational lyrics. The song’s lyrics touch on themes of race, identity, and power, with West addressing issues of racism, discrimination, and societal expectations. The chorus features the repeated refrain, “I’m aware I’m a wolf,” conveying a sense of defiance and empowerment in the face of adversity.
The song’s production features heavy drums, distorted vocals, and abrasive synths, creating a dark and intense atmosphere. West’s delivery is raw and energetic, with his impassioned vocals adding to the song’s sense of urgency and rebellion.
The music video for “Black Skinhead” features black and white animation and computer-generated imagery, depicting various surreal and provocative scenes, including images of wolves and West’s animated avatar. The video’s striking visuals and stylized aesthetic complement the song’s aggressive and confrontational tone, adding to its impact.
“Black Skinhead” was a critical success, earning praise for its bold and experimental sound, as well as its socially conscious lyrics. The song’s powerful message and innovative production helped solidify Kanye West’s reputation as a boundary-pushing artist and cemented “Yeezus” as one of the most influential albums of the 2010s.
9. Runaway
“Runaway” is a song by Kanye West, released in 2010 as part of his fifth studio album, “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy.” The song is a hip-hop ballad with introspective lyrics and a haunting melody.
In “Runaway,” Kanye West reflects on his personal flaws and mistakes, particularly in relationships. The song’s lyrics convey a sense of regret and self-awareness, with West acknowledging his shortcomings and expressing a desire for redemption.
The song’s production features a sparse piano melody, a repetitive drum beat, and West’s vocoder-enhanced vocals. “Runaway” was a critical and commercial success, earning praise for its emotional depth and innovative production.
The song’s music video, which features a ballet performance choreographed by West, further added to its impact and helped to solidify its status as one of Kanye West’s most iconic songs. “Runaway” is often cited as a highlight of “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy” and has been praised for its honesty and vulnerability.
10. Through the Wire
“Through the Wire” is a song by American rapper Kanye West, released in 2003 as the lead single from his debut studio album, “The College Dropout.” The song was written by Kanye West and recorded while he was recovering from a near-fatal car accident in October 2002.
“Through the Wire” is notable for its production, as West recorded the song with his jaw wired shut following the car accident. Despite his injuries, West delivers an impassioned performance, rapping about his experiences and reflecting on his life and career. The song’s lyrics touch on themes of resilience, determination, and overcoming adversity.
The song’s production features a soulful sample of Chaka Khan’s song “Through the Fire,” which serves as the backdrop for West’s lyrics. The sample adds a nostalgic and melodic element to the song, enhancing its emotional impact.
The music video for “Through the Wire” features footage of Kanye West in the studio, as well as scenes from his recovery following the car accident. The video’s intimate and personal nature adds depth to the song’s lyrics and highlights West’s perseverance in the face of hardship.
“Through the Wire” was a critical and commercial success, earning praise for its innovative production and West’s lyrical prowess. The song helped establish West as a prominent figure in hip hop and set the stage for the success of “The College Dropout” and his subsequent albums.