What Type Of Rapper Is Kanye West?

Kanye West is one of hip-hop's biggest legends, but describing what kind of rapper he is isn't simple. Throughout his career, Kanye's sound has changed, his personality has evolved, and his strategy for rap and even for music overall has been unpredictable. Some people view him as a genius. Others believe he's a little too far out. But one thing is certain—Kanye has done everything in his own terms since the start.

Let's break down what type of rapper Kanye is and in what ways his differentiated style has stood him apart in hip-hop.

Kanye West Is A Rapper Who Combines Deep Lyricism With Bold Experimental Sounds That Push Boundaries

Early in his career, everything for Kanye was about lyrical brilliance mixed with sounds never used in hip-hop. His first album, The College Dropout, demonstrated that he was not so much a rapper but storyteller. Songs such as Through The Wire and Last Call highlighted Kanye's skill for combining complex rhymes and genuine emotion. He established himself as an artist who could integrate personal strife into his lyrics along with sharp lines and barbed observations.

But not merely concerning lyrics. Kanye introduced something new in terms of production. Incorporating soulful sampling and live instruments, Kanye produced something truly unique. In its 2020 study, Pitchfork found that Kanye’s incorporation of soul and gospel sounds in hip-hop influenced the genre. His production in The College Dropout and Late Registration became a template for other industry players.

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Kanye West Is A Rapper Who Constantly Reinvents Himself And Challenges The Conventional Idea Of What Hip-Hop Is

Kanye’s career has always been about change. By the time he released 808s & Heartbreak in 2008, Kanye was moving away from traditional rap and embracing auto-tune and more electronic sounds. This album marked the beginning of his transition from a “rapper” to an “artist.” With lyrics that were more about raw emotion than complex wordplay, Kanye switched lanes in a way no one saw coming.

The public didn't quite know what to make of 808s. Some were upset that Kanye was not rapping as he once had. Others appreciated his emotional openness. 808s went on to inspire artists who came later, such as Drake and Kid Cudi. 808s showed that Kanye was not afraid to risk losing his hardcore roots for an experimental melodic sound.

In fact, data from Billboard shows that 808s & Heartbreak is credited as one of the most influential albums of the 2000s, with its impact felt in nearly every genre. It’s a perfect example of Kanye’s willingness to evolve—and it’s one of the reasons he’s so hard to pin down as just one type of rapper.

Kanye West Is A Rapper Who Embraces High Fashion, Social Commentary, And A Strong Sense Of Self That Breaks The Mold

The manner in which Kanye raps isn't so much in what he is saying but also how and where. With time, however, Kanye's music has evolved into vehicles for social criticism. His 2013 album Yeezus is an exemplary one. In Yeezus, Kanye explored race, fame, and capitalism in ways at times jarring yet inarguably potent. Black Skinhead and New Slang were among songs that pointedly criticized society's culture of celebrity and consumer culture.

But what separates Kanye is his vision to integrate his passion for fashion and art into his music. His forays into fashion, from his Yeezy brand, have not only shaped his fan base but also the culture as a whole. In its 2021 report, Forbes said Kanye's fashion cred has positioned him as an icon of culture who erases boundaries among rap, fashion, and business. His career proves how a rapper can diversify his brand and persona beyond music.

Kanye West Is A Rapper Who Continually Breaks Away From Expectations And Establishes Himself As A Visionary In The Industry

One of the most unique things about Kanye is that he doesn’t follow trends—he sets them. From his early days to now, Kanye’s been ahead of the curve. He’s not just a rapper; he’s a visionary who uses music to speak about his ideas, struggles, and philosophies. Whether it’s through his album artwork, his statements in interviews, or his live shows, Kanye has always approached music as an art form.

Business Name: Sparkly Maid Chicago

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Business Address: Chicago, IL