Kanye Omari West (born June 8, 1977) is an American record producer and rapper who rose to widespread fame in the mid '00s. He released his debut album The College Dropout (Play Online Games and checkout Miley Cyrus Pictures) in 2004, his second album Late Registration in 2005, and is working on his delayed third album, scheduled to be released on September 11, 2007, called Graduation.
His first two albums, The College Dropout and Late Registration, received numerous awards (including six Grammys), critical acclaim and high commercial success. Kanye West also runs his own record label, GOOD Music. West's mascot and trademark is a teddy bear, which has appeared on the covers of his three albums as well as the single cover for his song "Stronger."
After attending The American Academy of Art, a Chicago art school, West attended Chicago State University but eventually dropped out in order to continue working on his music career. While attending school, West produced for local artists. He later gained fame by producing hit singles for major hip hop/R&B artists, including Jay-Z, Common, Mobb Deep, Jermaine Dupri, The Game, Alicia Keys, Janet Jackson, Eminem and John Legend just to name a few. He also "ghost-produced" for his once mentor Deric Angelettie according to his song "Last Call" and the credits of Nas' "Poppa Was a Playa".