In 2002, during an era where mainstream Hip-Hop appeared heavily saturated with gangsterism and hustler narratives, a preppy, middle-class, pink Polo shirt-rockin’ producer from the Chicago suburbs shocked the Rap game by signing to Jay-Z’s Roc-A-Fella Records at its pinnacle. While renowned for his distinctive, soulful production, Kanye West had... Read more

Talib Kweli and Kanye West have made several notable collaborations. That artistry began 14 years ago, with the release of the Brooklyn, New York MC's first solo album, Quality. Following acclaimed full-length projects with Black Star and Reflection Eternal, the Rawkus Records flagship artist embarked on his first release through... Read more

Scarface and Kanye West worked together in the early 2000s. First on Jay Z's "This Can't Be Life," and then on a chunk of 'Face's own The Fix album, the then-Def Jam Records label-mates began a strong bond. In the 15 years since, Kanye West has closely worked with 20-plus-year... Read more

Less than a dozen years ago, Kanye West self-identified as The College Dropout. Today, the music/pop culture superstar has a higher education diploma in hand. Mr. West  received an honor doctoral degree in Fine Arts today (May 11) from the School Of The Art Institute Of Chicago. 'Ye was on... Read more

With all the attention on Kanye West's College Dropout this month, one track that deserves special mention is "Never Let Me Down." The Jay Z-assisted moment, which closed with a powerful Spoken Word piece by J. Ivy was a stellar album cut on the 2004 Roc-A-Fella/Def Jam Records debut. But... Read more

Earlier this week, Billboard Associate Editor Erika Ramirez made a monster of a story, when she created The Oral History Of Kanye West's College Dropout. 'Ye's debut album, which turns 10 years old soon, featured involvement from Talib Kweli, Freeway, and Consequence, who contributed, as well as Jay Z, Mos... Read more

D Dot Omen dug up some of Kanye's original demo material. The song was floating around in this form in 2001 before it was remade to feature Syleena Johnson for his College Dropout debut. Related: Yasiin Bey Performs in Paris (Video) Check out the finished product below.... Read more