Kanye West went from producer to rap superstar to fashion icon over the better part of the 21st century. Born in Chicago — something he makes abundantly clear in his rhymes — West spent most of his teenage years studying the hip-hop scene. He spent a lot of time learning from famed DJ and producer No I.D., before he began producing big-time records in the early 2000s. West moved to NYC in 2001 and started producing beats for rap legend Jay-Z. He ended up producing four songs on 'The Blueprint,' which is regarded as one of the best rap albums of all time. West struggled to get his rap career started, with Jay-Z and many other record labels turning him down due to his lack of street cred. But, in 2002, Damon Dash signed West to Roc-A-Fella and the rest is history. West has sold over 34 million albums and captured 21 Grammys for notable efforts like 'The College Dropout' and 'Graduation.' Outside of rap, the 40-year-old continues his efforts in fashion and is the father to a son and daughter with wife Kim Kardashian.