Ye , commonly known as Kanye West[d] , is an American rapper, record producer, and fashion designer.[3][4][5][6] He is widely regarded as one of the greatest and most influential hip hop musicians of all time, as well as one of the greatest musicians of his generation.[7][8] Born in Atlanta and raised in Chicago, West gained recognition as a producer for Roc-A-Fella Records in the early 2000s, producing singles for several artists and developing the "chipmunk soul" sampling style. Intent on pursuing a solo career as a rapper, he released his debut studio album, The College Dropout , to critical and commercial success. West subsequently founded his record label GOOD Music later that same year.