Ye (formerly known as Kanye Omari West, born June 8, 1977) is an American rapper, record producer, fashion designer, and controversial public figure. He legally changed his name to "Ye" and has evolved from an acclaimed musical innovator to a polarizing cultural and political figure.
Initially gaining fame as an in-house producer for Roc-A-Fella Records, where he co-produced Jay-Z's "The Blueprint" (2001), West launched his own successful recording career with "The College Dropout" (2004).