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...