1. Helping to combat the severe dropout problem in high schools across the United States by developing student-centered programs geared towards increased literacy, heightened self-worth, independent thinking, and self- actualization through the arts.

2. HIS FULL NAME IS KANYE OMARI WEST. BORN ON JUNE 8,1977 IN Oklahoma City, Oklahoma ATTENDED POLARIS HIGH SCHOOL IN SUBURBAN OAK LAWN, ILLINOIS. OCTOBER 23,2002 WEST WAS INVOLED IN A FATAL CAR CRASH WHICH COULD HAVE TAKEN HIS LIFE COMING HOME FROM THE RECORDING STUDIO. WEST HAS WRITTEN AND COLE,TWISTA,BBRAND, AND JAY-Z PRODUCED SONGS FOR MANY ARTIST SUCH AS KEISHA. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kanye_West

3. While attending school, West produced for local artists. He later gained fame by producing hit singles for major hip hop/R&B artists, including jay-z, Common, Jermaine Dupri, the game, Alicia keys, Janet Jackson http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kanye_West When he worked with Jay-z on one of his classic albums The Blueprint www.rocafella.com) www.rocafella.com It all started in NO I.D’s basement studio during his teenage years persistence and passion found kanye dabbling with beats and crafting rhymes www.rocafella.com) www.rocafella.com His debut album, The College Dropout has gone double platinum since its release earlier this year and his name has in some way, shape or form been attached to anything and everything successful in hip-hop music as of late. www.askmen.com www.askmen.com It all started when he sold 441,000 copies of The College Dropout in his first week www.people.com www.people.com West takes home three trophies – Best Rap Album, Best Rap Song for "Jesus Walks" and Best R&B Song for producing Alicia Keys' "You Don't Know My Name www.people.com www.people.com

4. In 1998, Kanye caught his first big break when Atlanta producer/hip-hop mogul Jermaine Dupri bought a beat from him for his Life in 1472 album. Once Roc-A-Fella co-founder Damon Dash was presented with a demo tape of Kanye's solo songs in 2002, he immediately signed the multi-talented producer/artist to his label. Backed by an intensified hunger to achieve his lifelong goals, Kanye's highly anticipated debut album The College Dropout was released on Roc-A- Fella Records in early 2004, to a resounding response from hip-hop enthusiasts across the board. www.askmen.com The College Dropout released on February 10,2004 Late Registration released on August 30,2004 Graduation released on September 11,2007 www.wikipedia.com

5. IMPACT He has had a positive impact on teens. He shows us that you can get to where you want to be if you try hard. He didn’t go to college but he made it to the top.

10. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kanye_West www.askmen.com www.rollingstone.com www.people.com www.independent.com Thank you and you’re welcome www.rocafella.com