The Jeen-yuhs of Hype
Kanye West made his name in rap 20 years ago. Since then, he’s become a mogul who influences fashion, politics and pop culture.
What star can sell out a stadium when tickets start at around $200 and all he’s going to do is show up two hours late and head bop to a recording of his music? Only one comes to mind: Ye, the artist formerly known as Kanye West.
He has that special something that gets fans on board with whatever he’s promoting, whether it’s music, footwear, fashion, audio devices or a presidential campaign. Despite the controversy he engenders, no one can deny he’s the embodiment of hype.
Ye, who was born in Atlanta and grew up in Chicago, first got in front of the public on Channel Zero, an underground hip-hop...
