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Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award winner Kanye West speaks onstage during the 2015 MTV Video Music Awards at Microsoft Theater on Aug. 30, 2015, in Los Angeles. Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images
1 min read

The 14 most pivotal moments in the career of Kanye West

In this moment of #ifslaverywasachoice, ‘free thought’ and (possibly?) cynical marketing, a look back

Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award winner Kanye West speaks onstage during the 2015 MTV Video Music Awards at Microsoft Theater on Aug. 30, 2015, in Los Angeles. Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images
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Taylor Swift Kim Kardashian Style Kanye West Donald Trump Music
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“Douche bag.” “A god.” “Self-conscious.” “Scumbag.” “Free thinker.” “Egomaniac.” These are all words used to describe Kanye West by Kanye’s most trusted source — Kanye. His return to the spotlight has been anything but bipartisan. Some view the “famous” rapper’s recent headlines, President Trump affiliations and controversial statements about slavery alike, as a new chapter in a continued and public mental breakdown that began years before he began rocking red Make America Great Again hats. Some, like Kanye, see his recent actions as part of a journey toward enlightenment and love. Following is a brief timeline of 14 moments that starts with life post-“George Bush doesn’t care about black people.” It’s impossible to nail down every rise, fall and frustration. But it highlights the different moods, inspirations and fears that defined Kanye, however briefly. Let’s travel back in time to 2006. …

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  • Donda West and Kanye West
    Donda West and Kanye West
  • Kanye West performs onstage during the 50th annual Grammy Awards held at the Staples Center on Feb. 10, 2008, in Los Angeles.
    Kanye West performs onstage during the 50th annual Grammy Awards held at the Staples Center on Feb. 10, 2008, in Los Angeles.
  • Kanye West jumps onstage to voice his displeasure after Taylor Swift won the "Best Female Video" award during the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards at Radio City Music Hall in New York City on Sept. 13, 2009.
    Kanye West jumps onstage to voice his displeasure after Taylor Swift won the "Best Female Video" award during the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards at Radio City Music Hall in New York City on Sept. 13, 2009.
  • Kanye West performs on stage at the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards held at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on Sept. 12, 2010 in Los Angeles.
    Kanye West performs on stage at the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards held at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on Sept. 12, 2010 in Los Angeles.
  • Kanye West (center) attends LeBron James' announcement of his future NBA plans at the Boys & Girls Club of America on July 8, 2010, in Greenwich, Connecticut. James announced during a live broadcast on ESPN that he would play for the Miami Heat the following season.
    Kanye West (center) attends LeBron James' announcement of his future NBA plans at the Boys & Girls Club of America on July 8, 2010, in Greenwich, Connecticut. James announced during a live broadcast on ESPN that he would play for the Miami Heat the following season.
  • Kanye West (left) and Jay-Z perform during a concert as part of their Watch the Throne tour on June 1, 2012, in Paris.
    Kanye West (left) and Jay-Z perform during a concert as part of their Watch the Throne tour on June 1, 2012, in Paris.
  • NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 11: Kanye West performs during Kanye West Yeezy Season 3 on February 11, 2016 in New York City.
    NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 11: Kanye West performs during Kanye West Yeezy Season 3 on February 11, 2016 in New York City.
  • Singer Kanye West and President-elect Donald Trump speak with the press after their meetings at Trump Tower on Dec. 13, 2016, in New York.
    Singer Kanye West and President-elect Donald Trump speak with the press after their meetings at Trump Tower on Dec. 13, 2016, in New York.

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