Kanye West

In many ways, Kanye West breaks the mold of the hip-hop superstar. Initially a much sought-after producer of other artists' albums (Jay-Z, Janet Jackson, Alicia Keys, Mobb Deep, Cam'ron, John Legend), West had great difficulty getting a record contract for his own work. His father was a Black Panther-turned photojournalist and born again Christian counselor, and his mother was a university English professor. West was thought to lack the "street cred" necessary to be a serious and popular rapper. Yet once given his chance, West electrified the world of hip-hop, releasing two albums in two years, both of which went triple platinum. His third album won four Grammy Awards in 2008 and sampled songs by artists far outside the hip-hop universe, such as Steely Dan and Laura Nyro. Viewing his role as an educator, West claims to rap about historical subjects in a way that gets his young listeners interested in learning more. Yet he also courts controversy, such as his live, on-air criticism of President Bush during a Hurricane Katrina telethon and his criticism of rap lyrics' often homophobic bent. Outspoken, egotistical, unconventional, inventive, and ingenious, Kanye West is one of the hip-hop world's most fascinating and unpredictable artists.