KANYE WEST, G.O.O.D. MUSIC
Current Rank: 11
Previous Rank: 6
Kanye West has been having one of the best years ever. From hiatus to high-strung, ‘Ye made a powerful return to Hip-Hop. Aftertweetingthemysteriouswords“JuneEighteenth,”follow- ers were left to wonder what ‘Ye had in store. As the date drew near, the floodgates opened. In guerilla-style fashion, “New Slaves” debuted atop buildings worldwide. Without radio sin- gles or official videos, ‘Ye announced the coming of his sixth studio album, Yeezus. And while a few rants followed where he denounced the need for radio play, his first week sales of 327K went on to prove the conventional ways of market- ing are no longer needed. So far Yeezus has sold 500K units and been certified gold. Alongside Che “Rhymefest” Smith, Kanye West launched the “Got Bars” program for Chicago’s youth to educate them on music and health. There’s also his fashion venture with French label A.P.C.that not only sold out but crashed the website as well. Oh, and a little baby named North, too. —Danitha Jones
