Kanye West and ‘808s & Heartbreak’ Lock Down The Bowl

Stephanie Hernandez

Outspoken, controversial, talented are just a few words that have been used to describe Kanye West. The current man of the hour is fresh off his acceptance of the Video Vanguard award and his 2020 bid for presidency. Luckily for the rest of us, he has also announced a set of “808s & Heartbreak” shows at the Hollywood Bowl.

The rapper, singer, songwriter, producer and fashion designer began his now infamous career as a producer at Roc-A-Fella Records. He first gained recognition for his work on Jay-Z’s “The Blueprint” album in 2001 as well as a hit singles for artists like Alicia Keys and Janet Jackson. West began rapping in the third grade; he attended art school for only one semester before dropping out to pursue music more seriously in the 90s. He obtained his position at Roc-A-Fella in hopes of becoming an artist, and at first, the young West was not taken seriously at first, but was eventually signed in 2002. Just two years later West released his breakthrough debut album, “The College Dropout” to huge commercial and critical acclaim.  “Late Registration” and “Graduation” followed in 2005 and 2007, furthering West’s influence on the hip-hop world. Switching up his style for his emotional fourth album, “808s & Heartbreak,” West sang his way on through to his grandiose 2010 effort, “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy” before finally creating his most abrasive record to date, “Yeezus” in 2013.

His provocative lyrics and immeasurable talent behind the switchboard have made Kanye one of the best selling artists of all time. He has won 21 Grammy Awards, the most awards held by any artists his age. Selling over 21 million albums, 100 million more digitally, West continues to surprise fans and critics alike with his aesthetically driven and sonically pure tracks. If you haven’t seen Yeezus in action, we suggest doing so while this presidential hopeful is in his prime.

Kanye West will bring “808 and Heartbreak” to Hollywood Bowl Sept. 25 and 26. Tickets available here.