Who Was “the Old Kanye,” Anyway?

Kanye West's evolution from a hip-hop hitmaker to a radicalized pariah has provoked uncomfortable discussions about bipolar disorder and antisemitism. Kanye West's evolution from a hip-hop hitmaker to a radicalized pariah has provoked uncomfortable discussions about bipolar disorder and antisemitism.

Despite initial skepticism, Kanye's debut album, "The College Dropout," became a significant success, showcasing his can-do bluster and chart-topping hits. Despite initial skepticism, Kanye's debut album, "The College Dropout," became a significant success, showcasing his can-do bluster and chart-topping hits.

Kanye's persona encompassed tensions and contradictions, from being a suburban son to a multifaceted visionary in the music industry. Kanye's persona encompassed tensions and contradictions, from being a suburban son to a multifaceted visionary in the music industry.

The trajectory of Kanye's career mirrored desires to emulate 2Pac's larger-than-life presence and meaningful impact on hip-hop culture. The trajectory of Kanye's career mirrored desires to emulate 2Pac's larger-than-life presence and meaningful impact on hip-hop culture.

Kanye's discography, marked by distinct phases, drew controversy and acclaim, from "My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy" to more recent releases like "Ye" and "Kids See Ghosts." Kanye's discography, marked by distinct phases, drew controversy and acclaim, from "My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy" to more recent releases like "Ye" and "Kids See Ghosts."

1. Despite mixed reception to recent projects, Kanye's influence remains undeniable, even as his behavior and political statements have alienated some fans. 1. Despite mixed reception to recent projects, Kanye's influence remains undeniable, even as his behavior and political statements have alienated some fans.