Kanye West Then & Now: Photos of the Rapper From His Young Days to Superstardom

The rapper and entrepreneur’s career has changed a lot over the years. See photos of him from the beginning to now, here.

Kanye West — who now legally goes by Ye — first made his mark with his 2004 debut album The College Dropout. He went on to release a string of influential projects, including Late Registration (2005), Graduation (2007), 808s & Heartbreak (2008), My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy (2010), Yeezus (2013), The Life of Pablo (2016), Donda (2021) and Vultures (2024), among others.

In recent years, Ye has also remained at the center of ongoing controversy. Following backlash over antisemitic remarks and actions — including selling merchandise featuring Nazi imagery — several major brands cut ties with the artist. In January 2026, he issued a public apology in a full-page letter published in The Wall Street Journal, expressing regret and taking responsibility for his behavior.

In the letter, Ye reflected on a 2002 car accident that caused a jaw injury and, he says, damage to his brain that went undiagnosed for years. He wrote that he had “lost touch with reality” during periods of untreated mental health struggles, adding that this context “does not excuse” his actions. He also stated, “I am not a Nazi or an antisemite. I love Jewish people,” while committing to accountability and change.

More recently, Ye has continued to release new music, including his 2026 project Bully.

Scroll through the gallery below to see photos of Ye over his years in the spotlight.

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