Just when it seems that all hope is lost, that the dark clouds of dull, half-drugged MCs have gathered ’round the hip-hop charts, along comes Kanye West.
That’s what he wants you to think, anyway.
Hyperbole surrounds the cocky, talented MC and producer, and pegging the future (and current soul) of mainstream hip-hop on him overestimates his influence. But ignoring West is also impossible when he wields the dual swords of critical and commercial success — and deservedly so, if you’ve paid attention to his three solo albums.
The 30-year-old West will visit the Pepsi Center on Sunday with megawatt tour mates Rihanna, N.E.R.D. and Lupe Fiasco. Here are five things you need to know about him in advance of his concert.
The college dropout
West was born June 8, 1977, in Atlanta. His parents split when he was 3 years old and his mother relocated to Chicago, taking him with her. West attended the tony Polaris High School before trying Chicago’s American Academy of Art and, later, Chicago State University — from which he dropped out. West’s true passion was music, although he would ascend the hip-hop ladder more for his production skills than his flows.
In-demand hands
By the late 1990s, West had produced a handful of larger acts (Mase, Jermaine Dupri), but his break came in 2001 with Jay-Z’s album “Blueprint.” Tracks like “Izzo (H.O.V.A.)” featured West’s sample-heavy style and positioned him as one of the Roc-a-Fella label’s signature producers. West yearned to make his own name, though, and his lack of a marketable gangsta style made Roc-a- Fella initially wary of him. He continued crafting hits for other artists while working on his solo debut, which was almost cut short by a car crash in late 2002.
An uncommon rapper
West’s near-fatal accident, and the faith it helped reinforce, offered inspiration for the lead single, “Through the Wire,” from his 2004 debut album, “The College Dropout.” Other songs, like “Jesus Walks” and “Diamonds of the Sierra Leone” (from 2005’s “Late Registration”), hinted at a faith and overt political sensibility not often found in contemporary mainstream hip-hop. Of course, West’s sleek style, refusal to imitate others and bombast have also distinguished him — for better or worse.
Speaking out, and out
West’s intelligence often tempers claims of an out-of- control ego, but they’re difficult to dismiss when he appears on the cover of Rolling Stone dressed as Jesus, or plays the sore loser after others win awards for which he was nominated. West’s politics have probably netted the most attention: He once famously said, “George Bush doesn’t care about black people” during a Hurricane Katrina fundraiser on live TV in 2005, instantly grabbing headlines, and he’s often spoken passionately against the homophobia present in much mainstream hip-hop.
A rewarding career
West boasts not only critical accolades and a bombastic media personality, but also a near-constant awards presence. As one of the more decorated hip-hop artists, the multiplatinum-selling West sports nine Grammys (including four for 2007’s “Graduation”) and has turned up repeatedly to perform at awards ceremonies.
John Wenzel: 303-954-1642 or jwenzel@denverpost.com
Kanye West
Hip-hop. Pepsi Center, 1000 Chopper Circle, with Rihanna, N.E.R.D., Lupe Fiasco. Sunday. 7:30 p.m. $40.75-$70.75. 303-830-8497 or .
