Kanye West – Recording Artists From Chicago

Before he was traipsing around Paris with girlfriend and soon-to-be baby mama, Kim Kardashian, Kanye West was born in Atlanta and raised in Chicago (though he had a few years in China, as well).

West got his musical start in 1996 as a producer for local Chicago artists. He ended up getting his big break in 2000, when he began producing for Roc-A-Fella Records, the label owned by now-BFF Jay-Z. Yeezy was even featured heavily on Hov's 2001 masterpiece 'The Blueprint.' This gig opened West up to numerous high-profile producing opportunities, working with artists like Nas, T.I., Ludacris and more -- however, he often lamented at the difficulties of landing a rap deal.

In 2004, West was finally signed to Roc-A-Fella as a rap artist and dropped 'The College Dropout,' spawning a career that has spanned a decade, succeeded by 'Late Registration,' 'Graduation,' '808s + Heartbreak,' 'My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy' and a whole load of Grammys. And, obviously, a whole of controversy. This is Kanye West we're talking about.

Yeezy's currently at work on another solo effort -- as well as a few more collaborations. You know, aside from the spawn of Kimye!

Watch the Kanye West 'Homecoming' Video Feat. Chris Martin