Kanye West was born in Atlanta, Georgia and raised in Chicago, Illinois. He began pursuing a career in music in the late 1990s, producing beats for local artists and eventually contributing to Jay-Z’s critically acclaimed album, The Blueprint. During the mid- 2000s, West became a global celebrity after the release of his own solo albums and collaborations with other hip-hop and R&B acts. He continued to achieve success in the music industry with the release of his hit singles, the most notable being “Stronger,” “Gold Digger,” “Runaway,” and “Bound 2.” In addition to his music career, West is known for his outrageous fashion choices and his self-promotion – which often takes the form of controversial statements, such as his 2008 declaration that he thinks himself as the “greatest living rockstar.” In 2013, West successfully launched his own fashion line and has been credited with reviving the sneaker market. He was also famously married to Kim Kardashian and has four children.