Kanye West, born Kanye Omari West on June 8, 1977, in Atlanta, Georgia, has a family background that intertwines with notable historical figures and events.​

Kanye West: A Musical Genius & Cultural Icon 

Full Name: Kanye Omari West
Born: June 8, 1977 (Atlanta, Georgia, USA)
Profession: Rapper, Producer, Fashion Designer, Entrepreneur

 Early Life & Career Beginnings

Kanye West was raised by his mother, Dr. Donda West, after his parents divorced. He moved to Chicago, Illinois, where he developed a love for music. He started as a producer, crafting beats for artists like Jay-Z, before launching his solo rap career.

His 2004 debut album, "The College Dropout," was a game-changer, blending soulful beats, deep lyrics, and innovative sounds.

Parents:

  • Mother: Dr. Donda C. Williams West (1949–2007) was an English professor and chair of the English Department at Chicago State University. She was the daughter of Lucille (Eckles) Williams and Portwood Williams Sr., and was raised in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. ​

  • Father: Ray West is a former Black Panther and one of the first black photojournalists at The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.​

Marriage and Children:

Kanye married Kim Kardashian in 2014, and the couple had four children:​

  • North West (born 2013)

  • Saint West (born 2015)

  • Chicago West (born 2018)

  • Psalm West (born 2019)

The couple divorced in 2022.​

Connection to the Kardashians:

Through his marriage to Kim Kardashian, Kanye became part of the famous Kardashian-Jenner family, which includes:

  • Kris Jenner (Kim’s mother)

  • Kourtney, Khloé, and Rob Kardashian (Kim’s siblings)

  • Kendall & Kylie Jenner (Kim’s half-sisters)

Ancestry & Family History:

  • Kanye’s maternal lineage traces back to historical Black figures in America, including a Civil War soldier in the United States Colored Troops.

  • He is also distantly related to John West, a 17th-century English nobleman and colonial governor of Virginia.

  • His family history also includes Daniel A. West, his third great-uncle, who served in the United States Colored Troops during the Civil War and died in service.
  • Through his marriage to Kim Kardashian, Kanye became connected to the Kardashian family, which includes Kris Jenner, Kourtney, Khloé, and Rob Kardashian, as well as Kendall and Kylie Jenner. ​

Legacy & Impact

Kanye West is more than a musician—he’s a visionary, risk-taker, and trendsetter who has influenced music, fashion, and culture for over two decades. Despite controversies, his artistic genius and impact on hip-hop remain undeniable.

This complex family tree reflects a blend of academic, artistic, and historical influences that have shaped Kanye West's life and career.

 

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