Publisher Description

A revealing biography of Kanye West explores the artist—and the man.
Kanye West is a star. His music has jumped from sensation to staple in the rap industry, while his personality, his philosophies, and his willingness to speak out for what he believes in regularly place him at the center of controversy. Kanye West: A Biography traces the star's life from his birth through the present day to paint a detailed picture of the artist and the man.

Raised by a single mother who was an English professor in Chicago, West admits he came from "the wrong side of the mall" rather than the wrong side of the tracks. His name, his style, and the way he conducts his business are unique. His thoughtful reflections in interviews reveal a complex man few have taken the time to understand. This biography looks at that multifaceted star, exploring his career as singer and producer, but also looking at the forces that prepared him to chase his dreams—and chase off anyone who stood in his way.

Table of Contents

Series Foreword
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Timeline: Events in the Life of Kanye West
Chapter 1 Humble Beginnings
Chapter 2 Kanye's Father
Chapter 3 Growing Up in the Heartland's "Capital" City
Chapter 4 Studies in the Windy City
Chapter 5 Hello, Hip-Hop
Chapter 6 The Louis Vuitton Don
Chapter 7 Dr. Dre Paved Path from (the) West
Chapter 8 Kanye's "Big Brother" Jay-Z
Chapter 9 From Producer to Artist
Chapter 10 The Music
Chapter 11 Hurricane Katrina Meets Hurricane Kanye
Chapter 12 2007–2008: A Period of Big Wins and Deep Losses
Appendix A: June 8, A Notable Day in History
Appendix B: Awards and Songs
Bibliography
Index
Photo essay follows page

Review

Written for general readers in high school and up and illustrated with B&W photos, this biography of West describes his early life, his education, his personal and professional influences, and his struggles and accomplishments, including an MTV award in 2008 as the #1 MC. Reference features include a timeline, an annotated list of awards and songs, and a bibliography of magazine stories, books, newspaper and news service articles, web publications, radio interviews, TV and internet broadcasts, and public relations web sites. While emphasis is on facts, the books in the series are intended to be entertaining. * Reference & Research Book News *

Promotional

A revealing biography of Kanye West explores the artist—and the man.

Long Description

Kanye West is a star. His music has jumped from sensation to staple in the rap industry, while his personality, his philosophies, and his willingness to speak out for what he believes in regularly place him at the center of controversy. Kanye West: A Biography traces the star's life from his birth through the present day to paint a detailed picture of the artist and the man. Raised by a single mother who was an English professor in Chicago, West admits he came from "the wrong side of the mall" rather than the wrong side of the tracks. His name, his style, and the way he conducts his business are unique. His thoughtful reflections in interviews reveal a complex man few have taken the time to understand. This biography looks at that multifaceted star, exploring his career as singer and producer, but also looking at the forces that prepared him to chase his dreams--and chase off anyone who stood in his way.

Review Quote

"Written for general readers in high school and up and illustrated with B&W photos, this biography of West describes his early life, his education, his personal and professional influences, and his struggles and accomplishments, including an MTV award in 2008 as the #1 MC. Reference features include a timeline, an annotated list of awards and songs, and a bibliography of magazine stories, books, newspaper and news service articles, web publications, radio interviews, TV and internet broadcasts, and public relations web sites. While emphasis is on facts, the books in the series are intended to be entertaining." - Reference & Research Book News

Promotional "Headline"

Kanye West is an articulate, astoundingly insightful, pop culture prophet who can go from charging a president with racism one minute to criticizing blacks for not capitalizing on opportunities they have had in the next. Yet, West puts his considerable fortune where his mouth is and is among the most philanthropic musical artists on the scene today.

Description for Reader

* Explores how West's middleclass upbringing differed from that of many other rappers and the important influence of his mother, a Fulbright Scholar who was chair of the English Department at Chicago State University and died tragically in November 2007 * Probes West's controversial views and independent stands, among them his calling out the hip hop community for its treatment of gays * Examines his extensive charitable activities, including the foundation he created to keep minority students in school and his work on behalf of victims of Hurricane Katrina, for environmental causes, and to help veterans of the war in Iraq * Looks at West's sense of fashion and activities in the fashion industry, including the fashion column he writes and the plans for his own clothing lines

Details