Kanye West: From Rapping to Runway

Kanye Omari West, but he is also sometimes called the Louis Vuitton Don!June 8, 1977 (he is barely 30!)Atlanta, GANot only is Kanye a prolific rapper (and singer), but he's produced songs for Janet Jackson, Britney Spears (whatta range), Jay-Z, DMX, Alicia Keys, Mos Def and the list goes on. His first album in 2004, The College Drop Out, sold 400,000 records in its first week and he followed it up with the critically acclaimed (ten Grammies in all!) Late Registration in 2005 and Graduation in 2007. Kanye has also never been shy about sharing his opinions regarding politics, the government, hip hop and of course, fashion.At the age of three, Kanye's parents divorced and Kanye moved with his mother to Chicago, where Dr. Donda West worked as Chair of the English Department at Chicago State University. She retired to work as Kanye's manager because of their close relationship. In November of 2007, Dr. West went in for some cosmetics procedures and died due to complications. Kanye has dedicated his song "Hey Mama" to his mother on his Glow in the Dark tour and at the 50th Annual Grammy Awards.Kanye loves fashion. Recently his fabulous eye-wear has been Burberry (like at the Grammy's and Paris Fashion Week)and in the past he performed at the opening of Takashi Murakami's "Murakami" exhibit at the Brooklyn Museum where Louis Vuitton prints and bags reigned supreme. Plus, he always looks dapper in clothes that actually fit -- not that loose, baggy style you associate with the rap world (except P Diddy who always looks delish).Apparently the rapping and producing sensation (who spent the past week sitting front row at Paris Fashion Week for the men's shows) is pairing with the French luxury brand to collaborate on a line of men's shoes. And after he finishes that, he plans on designing his own women's line under his own name that he hopes to launch this autumn. A producer, a multiple Grammy winner and a designer...when does he find the time? A little jealous of the gorgeous shoes that men are sure to get from Kanye and Louis Vuitton! Guess we'll have to wait for the women's line. But it'll be worth it.