KANYE WEST

Born: June 8, 1977

Atlanta, Georgia

At the age of three, Kanye moved with his mother to Chicago, Illinois, where he grew up and later attended Chicago State University. While attending school, he began producing for local artists and crafting his sound. However, West quickly became the "college dropout" we all know and love. West received his big break when Jay-Z asked him to produce several tracks on his chart-topping album The Blueprint. Next he was able to begin laying his own blueprints for his first major album, The College Dropout, which dropped in October of 2002, and became an instant sensation.

The first single, "Through the Wire" was inspired by a near fatal car crash and it established West as a serious rapper. Young Hollywood caught up with Kanye West, at Rolling Stone 40th Anniversary party where he discussed what it means to really rock out. Since 2002, West has garnered nine Grammys, and kept his rock star status producing and collaborating with numerous artists including Jay-Z, John Legend and Alicia Keys. Young Hollywood rocked out at the Rolling Stone party as West brought down the house with fellow superstars Jamie Foxx and T-Pain . In November of 2007, tragedy struck when West's mother died. At the 2008 Grammys, West performed an emotional tribute in memory of his mother. West eventually went out with his "˜Glow in the Dark' tour where he shared the stage every night with hip-hop and R&B sensations Rihanna, Lupe Fiasco and N.E.R.D. proving in this business, there is nobody stronger! Of course, he may take some criticism for his surprising outbursts and antics, but that doesn't take away from his pure talent.

FUN FACTS:

• His favorite band is Franz Ferdinand

• His mother is a former English professor at Chicago State University