Kanye West

== Other ventures ==
=== Fashion ===

Early in his career, West made clear his interest in fashion and desire to work in the clothing design industry.<ref name="amg" /><ref name="NewYorkTimes" /> He launched his own clothing line in spring 2006,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.stuffmagazine.com/articles/index.aspxid=1171|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070929131853/http://www.stuffmagazine.com/articles/index.aspx?id=1171|archive-date=September 29, 2007|title=Stuff Style Icon of the Year|access-date=June 7, 2007|work=[[Stuff (magazine)|Stuff]]}}</ref> and developed it over the following four years before the line was ultimately cancelled in 2009.<ref>{{cite web|last=Mdudu|first=Naomi|url=http://www.thefashpack.net/perfectionist-kanye-wests-pastelle-line-cancelled/|title=Perfectionist Kanye West's Pastelle Line Cancelled?|publisher=The FashPack|date=October 9, 2009|access-date=February 4, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171104184326/http://www.thefashpack.net/perfectionist-kanye-wests-pastelle-line-cancelled/|archive-date=November 4, 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Tharpe|first=Frazier|url=http://www.complex.com/style/2011/09/what-couldve-been-a-history-of-kanyes-defunct-pastelle-line|title=What Could've Been: A History of Kanye's Defunct Pastelle Line|work=Complex Magazine|date=October 11, 2011|access-date=January 14, 2013|archive-date=August 27, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120827065926/http://www.complex.com/style/2011/09/what-couldve-been-a-history-of-kanyes-defunct-pastelle-line|url-status=live}}</ref> In January 2007, West's first sneaker collaboration was released, a special-edition Bapesta from [[A Bathing Ape]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Kanye West x Bapesta FS-001 Low 'College Dropout' |url=https://www.kickgame.co.uk/products/kanye-west-x-bapesta-fs-001-low-college-dropout |website=Kick Game |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220327010336/https://www.kickgame.co.uk/products/kanye-west-x-bapesta-fs-001-low-college-dropout |archive-date=March 27, 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=The Kanye West Sneaker Collaboration That's Cooler Than Yeezys |url=https://www.gq.com/story/kanye-west-bape-sneakers-collaboration |website=GQ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211227045241/https://www.gq.com/story/kanye-west-bape-sneakers-collaboration |archive-date=December 27, 2021 |date=January 5, 2007}}</ref> In 2009, West collaborated with [[Nike, Inc.|Nike]] to release his own shoe, the [[Nike Air Yeezy|Air Yeezys]], becoming the first non-athlete to be given a shoe deal with the company.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Facey |first1=Robert |title=A Complete History of Hip-Hop Sneaker Deals |url=https://www.complex.com/sneakers/2012/05/a-complete-history-of-hip-hop-sneaker-deals/ |website=Complex |access-date=January 20, 2019 |date=May 7, 2012 |archive-date=January 21, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190121010852/https://www.complex.com/sneakers/2012/05/a-complete-history-of-hip-hop-sneaker-deals/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In January 2009, he introduced his first shoe line designed for [[Louis Vuitton]] during [[Paris Fashion Week]]. The line was released in summer 2009.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://hypebeast.com/2009/3/kanye-west-x-louis-vuitton-sneakers-for-june-2009|title=Kanye West x Louis Vuitton Sneakers for June 2009|publisher=Hypebeast|date=March 5, 2011|access-date=February 2, 2013|archive-date=November 6, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181106145819/https://hypebeast.com/2009/3/kanye-west-x-louis-vuitton-sneakers-for-june-2009|url-status=live}}</ref> West has additionally designed shoewear for Italian shoemaker [[Giuseppe Zanotti]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Hislop|first=Rachel|url=http://globalgrind.com/style/kanye-west-complete-history-shoe-designs-photos|title=Renaissance Man: Kanye West's Complete History Of Shoe Designs|publisher=Global Grind|date=September 26, 2012|access-date=February 4, 2013|archive-date=November 28, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121128063533/http://globalgrind.com/style/kanye-west-complete-history-shoe-designs-photos|url-status=live}}</ref>

In fall 2009, West moved to [[Rome]], where he interned at Italian fashion brand [[Fendi]], giving ideas for the men's collection.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sohh.com/kanye-west-reveals-global-escapes-i-moved-to-rome-after-i-left-japan-worked-at-fendi-for-4-months-under-cover|title=Kanye West's fashion journey|last=Cochrane|first=Lauren|work=The Guardian|date=August 13, 2011|access-date=June 9, 2017|archive-date=July 31, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170731120447/https://www.sohh.com/kanye-west-reveals-global-escapes-i-moved-to-rome-after-i-left-japan-worked-at-fendi-for-4-months-under-cover/|url-status=live}}</ref> In March 2011, West collaborated with [[M/M Paris]] for a series of silk scarves featuring artwork from ''My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy''.<ref>{{cite web|title=Kanye West x M/M (Paris) Silk Scarves—A Closer Look|url=https://hypebeast.com/2011/5/kanye-west-x-mm-paris-silk-scarves-a-closer-look|website=Hypebeast|date=May 4, 2011|access-date=May 4, 2011|archive-date=March 2, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130302031044/http://hypebeast.com/2011/5/kanye-west-x-mm-paris-silk-scarves-a-closer-look|url-status=live}}</ref> In October 2011, West premiered his women's fashion label at Paris Fashion Week.<ref name="TIFDb">[https://web.archive.org/web/20111015193050/http://ifdb.co/fashion/kanye_west_-_womens_springsummer_2012_rtw_show/1291 Kanye West—Spring/Summer 2012 ready-to-wear show—The Internet Fashion Database] Retrieved and verified on October 2, 2011</ref> His debut fashion show received mixed-to-negative reviews.<ref>{{cite web|last=Odell|first=Amy|url=https://nymag.com/daily/fashion/2011/10/what_kanye_west_got_right_and.html|title=What Kanye West Got Right and Wrong With His First Paris Fashion Week Show—The Cut|work=New York|date=August 17, 2011|access-date=October 5, 2011|archive-date=October 4, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111004233358/http://nymag.com/daily/fashion/2011/10/what_kanye_west_got_right_and.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In March 2012, West premiered a second fashion line at Paris Fashion Week.<ref>{{cite news|last=Wilson|first=Julee|url=https://huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/06/kanye-west-fall-2012-fashion-show_n_1325769.html|title=Kanye West Debuts Fall 2012 Collection During Paris Fashion Week|work=The Huffington Post|date=March 7, 2012|access-date=February 2, 2012|archive-date=March 7, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120307121554/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/06/kanye-west-fall-2012-fashion-show_n_1325769.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Leitch|first=Luke|url=http://fashion.telegraph.co.uk/article/TMG9126626/Paris-Fashion-Week-Kanye-West-autumnwinter-2012.html|title=Paris Fashion Week: Kanye West autumn/winter 2012|newspaper=Telegraph (UK)|date=March 6, 2012|access-date=February 2, 2013|location=London|archive-date=October 5, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131005132102/http://fashion.telegraph.co.uk/article/TMG9126626/Paris-Fashion-Week-Kanye-West-autumnwinter-2012.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Critics deemed the sophomore effort "much improved" compared to his first show.<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Frank|first=Alex|url=http://www.thefader.com/2012/03/07/kanye-west-at-paris-fashion-week-round-ii-the-reviews/|title=Kanye West at Paris Fashion Week Round II: The Reviews|magazine=The Fader|date=March 7, 2012|access-date=February 6, 2013|archive-date=September 9, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180909035413/http://www.thefader.com/2012/03/07/kanye-west-at-paris-fashion-week-round-ii-the-reviews/|url-status=live}}</ref>

On December 3, 2013, [[Adidas]] officially confirmed a new shoe collaboration deal with West.<ref name="Little">{{cite news|last=Little|first=Lyneka|url=https://blogs.wsj.com/speakeasy/2013/12/04/adidas-confirms-new-deal-with-kanye-west/|title=Adidas Confirms New Deal with Kanye West|work=The Wall Street Journal|date=December 4, 2013|access-date=December 6, 2013|archive-date=August 15, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200815205941/https://blogs.wsj.com/speakeasy/2013/12/04/adidas-confirms-new-deal-with-kanye-west/|url-status=live}}</ref> After months of anticipation and rumors, West confirmed the release of the [[Adidas Yeezy]] Boosts. In 2015, West unveiled a Yeezy clothing line, premiering in collaboration with Adidas early that year.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.racked.com/2015/9/8/9251093/yeezy-season-1-kanye-west-adidas-shopping-guide|title=Yeezy Season 1: How to Shop Kanye West x Adidas [Updated]|first=Nicola|last=Fumo|date=September 8, 2015|work=racked.com|access-date=November 22, 2016|archive-date=September 9, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180909035516/https://www.racked.com/2015/9/8/9251093/yeezy-season-1-kanye-west-adidas-shopping-guide|url-status=live}}</ref> In June 2016, Adidas announced a new long-term contract with Kanye West that extended the Yeezy line to a number of stores, planning to sell sports performance products like basketball, football, and soccer,<ref name="newcontract">{{cite web|url=http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/5-nba-players-who-should-be-wearing-adidas-yeezy-sneakers-on-the-court-news.22554.html?|title=Adidas announces long-term contract with Adidas Yeezys|last=Rooney|first=JKyle|date=June 29, 2016|website=Hotnewhiphop|access-date=June 29, 2016|archive-date=June 30, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160630155721/http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/5-nba-players-who-should-be-wearing-adidas-yeezy-sneakers-on-the-court-news.22554.html|url-status=live}}</ref> although Adidas terminated the partnership with West in October 2022 due to his antisemitic remarks.<ref>{{Cite press release |date=October 25, 2022 |title=ADIDAS TERMINATES PARTNERSHIP WITH YE IMMEDIATELY |url=https://www.adidas-group.com/en/media/news-archive/press-releases/2022/adidas-terminates-partnership-ye-immediately/ |publisher=[[Adidas Group|adidas]] |location=Herzogenaurach |access-date=January 2, 2023 |archive-date=December 31, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221231165327/https://www.adidas-group.com/en/media/news-archive/press-releases/2022/adidas-terminates-partnership-ye-immediately/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In May 2021, West signed a 10-year deal linking Yeezy with [[Gap Inc.|GAP]] to create [[Yeezy Gap]], however, in September 2022, West announced that he was ending the deal.<ref>{{cite web |last=D'innocenzio |first=Anne |date=September 15, 2022 |title=Kanye West says he's splitting with Gap after 2 years |url=https://www.cp24.com/entertainment-news/kanye-west-says-he-s-splitting-with-gap-after-2-years-1.6070169 |access-date=September 18, 2022 |website=CP24 |language=en |archive-date=September 16, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220916195430/https://www.cp24.com/entertainment-news/kanye-west-says-he-s-splitting-with-gap-after-2-years-1.6070169 |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Business ventures ===

West founded the record label and production company [[GOOD Music]] in 2004, in conjunction with [[Sony BMG Music Entertainment|Sony BMG]], shortly after releasing his debut album, ''[[The College Dropout]]''. West, alongside then-unknown [[Ohio]] singer [[John Legend]] and fellow Chicago rapper [[Common (rapper)|Common]] were the label's inaugural artists.<ref name=Founded>{{cite web|title=G.O.O.D. Music is Founded by Kanye West|url=http://www.complex.com/music/2012/09/the-complete-history-of-good-music/good-music-founded|work=The Complete History of G.O.O.D. Music|publisher=Complex.com|access-date=December 3, 2013|last=Chesna|first=Benjamin|date=September 26, 2012|archive-date=August 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200807162618/https://www.complex.com/music/2012/09/the-complete-history-of-good-music/good-music-founded|url-status=live}}</ref> The label houses artists including West, [[Big Sean]], Pusha T, Teyana Taylor, Yasiin Bey / Mos Def, [[D'banj]] and John Legend, and producers including [[Hudson Mohawke]], Q-Tip, [[Travis Scott (musician)|Travis Scott]], No I.D., [[Jeff Bhasker]], and S1. GOOD Music has released ten albums [[RIAA certification|certified gold]] or higher by the [[Recording Industry Association of America]] (RIAA). In November 2015, West appointed Pusha T the new president of GOOD Music.<ref>{{Cite magazine|title=Pusha T Named President of G.O.O.D. Music|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/6753076/pusha-t-president-good-music-exclusive|magazine=Billboard|access-date=November 9, 2015|archive-date=November 12, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151112001322/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/6753076/pusha-t-president-good-music-exclusive?|url-status=live}}</ref>

In August 2008, West revealed plans to open 10 [[Fatburger]] restaurants in the Chicago area; the first was set to open in September 2008 in Orland Park. The second followed in January 2009, while a third location is yet to be revealed, although the process is being finalized. His company, KW Foods LLC, bought the rights to the chain in Chicago.<ref>{{cite web|title=Kanye West To Open Chain of Fatburger Restaurants in Chicago|url=http://www.ballerstatus.com/2008/08/13/kanye-west-to-open-chain-of-fatburger-restaurants-in-chicago/|archive-url=https://archive.today/20150204111514/http://www.ballerstatus.com/2008/08/13/kanye-west-to-open-chain-of-fatburger-restaurants-in-chicago/|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 4, 2015|website=BallerStatus.com|date=August 2010}}</ref> Ultimately, in 2009, only two locations actually opened. In February 2011, West shut down the Fatburger located in [[Orland Park, Illinois|Orland Park]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.starpulse.com/news/index.php/2011/02/01/kanye_west_shuts_down_his_chicago_fatb|title=Kanye West Shuts Down His Chicago Fatburger Restaurant|publisher=Starpulse.com|date=February 1, 2011|access-date=December 24, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170711135046/http://www.starpulse.com/kanye-west-shuts-down-his-chicago-fatburger-restaurant-1848033086.html|archive-date=July 11, 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In January 2012, West announced his establishment of the creative content company [[Donda (company)|Donda]], named after his late mother.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.complex.com/music/2012/01/kanye-west-announces-creative-company-donda/|title=Kanye West Announces Creative Company DONDA|last=Osei|first=Anthony|date=January 5, 2012|magazine=Complex Magazine|access-date=January 9, 2012|archive-date=January 8, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120108200345/http://www.complex.com/music/2012/01/kanye-west-announces-creative-company-donda|url-status=live}}</ref> In his announcement, West proclaimed that the company would "pick up where [[Steve Jobs]] left off"; Donda would operate as a "design company" with a goal to "make products and experiences that people want and can afford".<ref name="vh1.com">Graham, Mark, [https://web.archive.org/web/20140227074738/http://www.vh1.com/music/tuner/2012-01-05/kanye-wests-epic-1600-word-twitter-rant-the-complete-text-neatly-organized-for-your-reading-pleasure/ Kanye West's Epic 1600-word Twitter Rant: Neatly Organized for your Reading Pleasure], January 5, 2012, 'VH1', retrieved August 4, 2015.</ref> In stating Donda's creative philosophy, West articulated the need to "put creatives in a room together with like minds" in order to "simplify and aesthetically improve everything we see, taste, touch, and feel."<ref name="vh1.com" /> West is notoriously secretive about the company's operations, maintaining neither an official website nor a social media presence.<ref>Hope, Clover, [http://www.vibe.com/2013/08/kanye-west-has-dream-inside-creative-agency-donda/ Kanye West has a Dream: Inside his Creative Agency DONDA] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160207124828/http://www.vibe.com/2013/08/kanye-west-has-dream-inside-creative-agency-donda/ |date=February 7, 2016 }}, August 19, 2013, 'VIBE', retrieved August 4, 2015.</ref><ref>Pasori, Cedar, [http://www.complex.com/style/2014/11/how-kanye-wests-creative-company-donda-is-making-its-own-brand-of-cool/ How Kanye West's Creative Company DONDA is making its own Brand of Cool] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151223034420/http://www.complex.com/style/2014/11/how-kanye-wests-creative-company-donda-is-making-its-own-brand-of-cool |date=December 23, 2015 }}, November 3, 2014, 'Complex Magazine', retrieved August 4, 2015.</ref> Contemporary critics have noted the consistent minimalistic aesthetic exhibited throughout Donda creative projects.<ref>Sargent, Jordan, [http://www.spin.com/2013/11/kanye-west-2-chainz-pusha-t-big-sean-donda-minimalist-design-company/ DONDA: Kanye West Goes G.O.O.D. Trill Hunting with His Minimalist Design Company] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180820114429/https://www.spin.com/2013/11/kanye-west-2-chainz-pusha-t-big-sean-donda-minimalist-design-company/ |date=August 20, 2018 }}, November 13, 2013, 'Spin Magazine', retrieved August 4, 2015.</ref><ref>Babcock, Gregory, [http://www.complex.com/style/2015/06/rich-wilkerson-jr-donda-book/ Kanye's Stylish Pastor Releases DONDA-Designed Book] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160309183431/http://www.complex.com/style/2015/06/rich-wilkerson-jr-donda-book |date=March 9, 2016 }}, June 23, 2015, 'Complex Magazine', retrieved August 4, 2015.</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Lewis|first=Brittany|url=http://globalgrind.com/2014/11/03/donda-created-music-covers-photos-kanye-west-creative-house/|title=Every Music Cover Kanye West's Creative House DONDA Has Created So Far... (LIST)|date=November 3, 2014|work=Global Grind|access-date=December 29, 2023|archive-date=February 12, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160212083517/http://globalgrind.com/2014/11/03/donda-created-music-covers-photos-kanye-west-creative-house/|url-status=live}}</ref>

West expressed interest in starting an architecture firm in May 2013, saying "I want to do product, I am a product person, not just clothing but water bottle design, architecture{{nbsp}}... I make music but I shouldn't be limited to one place of creativity"<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.dezeen.com/2013/09/24/im-working-with-five-architects-at-a-time-kanye-west/|title='I'm working with five architects at a time'—Kanye West|date=September 24, 2013|work=Dezeen|access-date=September 28, 2018|language=en-US|archive-date=September 28, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180928200716/https://www.dezeen.com/2013/09/24/im-working-with-five-architects-at-a-time-kanye-west/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2018/may/07/kanye-west-announces-architecture-arm-to-his-company-yeezy-home|title=Kanye West announces architecture arm to his company Yeezy|last=Beaumont-Thomas|first=Ben|date=May 7, 2018|website=The Guardian|language=en|access-date=September 28, 2018|archive-date=September 29, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180929000244/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2018/may/07/kanye-west-announces-architecture-arm-to-his-company-yeezy-home|url-status=live}}</ref> and then later in November 2013, delivering a [[manifesto]] on his architectural goals during a visit to [[Harvard Graduate School of Design]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.citylab.com/design/2013/11/kanye-west-goes-harvard-delivers-manifesto-architecture/7616/|title=Kanye West Goes to Harvard, Delivers Manifesto on Architecture|work=CityLab|access-date=September 28, 2018|language=en-US|archive-date=September 29, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180929000131/https://www.citylab.com/design/2013/11/kanye-west-goes-harvard-delivers-manifesto-architecture/7616/|url-status=live}}</ref> In May 2018, West announced he was starting an architecture firm called Yeezy Home, which will act as an arm of his already successful Yeezy fashion label.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.dezeen.com/2018/05/07/kanye-west-announces-yeezy-home-architecture-arm/|title=Kanye West to launch architecture arm of Yeezy fashion label|date=May 7, 2018|work=Dezeen|access-date=September 28, 2018|language=en-US|archive-date=September 28, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180928200755/https://www.dezeen.com/2018/05/07/kanye-west-announces-yeezy-home-architecture-arm/|url-status=live}}</ref> In June 2018, the first Yeezy Home collaboration was announced by designer Jalil Peraza, teasing an affordable concrete [[prefabricated]] home as part of a [[social housing]] project.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.curbed.com/2018/5/7/17326702/kanye-west-yeezy-home-architecture-design|title=Is Kanye West's first architecture project an affordable concrete prefab?|work=Curbed|access-date=September 28, 2018|archive-date=September 28, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180928201042/https://www.curbed.com/2018/5/7/17326702/kanye-west-yeezy-home-architecture-design|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.dezeen.com/2018/06/04/kanye-west-yeezy-home-architecture-social-housing-project-instagram/|title=Kanye West begins Yeezy Home architecture venture with social-housing project|date=June 4, 2018|work=Dezeen|access-date=September 28, 2018|language=en-US|archive-date=September 29, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180929000120/https://www.dezeen.com/2018/06/04/kanye-west-yeezy-home-architecture-social-housing-project-instagram/|url-status=live}}</ref>

In March 2015, it was announced that West is a co-owner, with various other music artists, in the [[music streaming]] service [[Tidal (service)|Tidal]]. The service specialises in [[Lossless compression|lossless]] audio and high definition music videos. Jay-Z acquired the parent company of Tidal, [[Aspiro]], in the first quarter of 2015.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/03/14/business/media/jay-z-buys-the-music-streaming-firm-aspiro.html|title=Jay Z Buys the Music Streaming Firm, Aspiro|work=The New York Times|date=March 13, 2015|access-date=March 31, 2015|first=Ben|last=Sisario|archive-date=September 8, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190908091219/https://www.nytimes.com/2015/03/14/business/media/jay-z-buys-the-music-streaming-firm-aspiro.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Sixteen artist stakeholders including Jay-Z, Rihanna, Beyoncé, Madonna, [[Chris Martin]], [[Nicki Minaj]] co-own Tidal, with the majority owning a 3% equity stake.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/6509498/jay-z-tidal-launch-artist-stakeholders|title=It's Official: Jay Z's Historic Tidal Launches With 16 Artist Stakeholders|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|first=Andrew|last=Flanagan|date=March 30, 2015|access-date=March 31, 2015|archive-date=April 2, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190402032038/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/6509498/jay-z-tidal-launch-artist-stakeholders|url-status=live}}</ref> In October 2022, in direct response to bans he received on Twitter and Instagram stemming from his antisemitic comments,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Wagner |first1=Kurt |last2=Bhashin |first2=Kim |title=Ye Says He Bought Parler Because Instagram, Twitter Penalized Him |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-10-17/ye-says-parler-purchase-prompted-by-instagram-twitter-penalties |date=October 17, 2022 |access-date=October 18, 2022 |website=[[Bloomberg News]] |archive-date=October 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221017190731/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-10-17/ye-says-parler-purchase-prompted-by-instagram-twitter-penalties |url-status=live }}</ref> West reached an [[agreement in principle]] to acquire the [[alt-tech]] social network [[Parler]] for an undisclosed amount.<ref>{{cite web |last=Browne |first=Ryan |title=Kanye West, who now goes by Ye, agrees to buy conservative social media platform Parler, company says |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2022/10/17/kanye-west-is-buying-conservative-social-media-platform-parler-company-says.html |date=October 17, 2022 |access-date=October 18, 2022 |publisher=[[CNBC]] |language=en |archive-date=January 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230119085751/https://www.cnbc.com/2022/10/17/kanye-west-is-buying-conservative-social-media-platform-parler-company-says.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last1=Coster |first1=Helen |last2=Datta |first2=Tiyashi |last3=Balu |first3=Nivedita |title=Kanye West agrees to buy social media app Parler |language=en |publisher=[[Reuters]] |url=https://www.reuters.com/technology/parler-be-acquired-by-kanye-west-2022-10-17/ |date=October 17, 2022 |access-date=October 18, 2022 |archive-date=October 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221017222740/https://www.reuters.com/technology/parler-be-acquired-by-kanye-west-2022-10-17/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Parler and West mutually agreed to terminate the proposed deal in mid-November.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/12/01/tech/kanye-parler-deal-termination/index.html|title=Kanye West is no longer acquiring Parler, company says|first=Brian|last=Fung|work=CNN Business|date=December 1, 2022|access-date=December 2, 2022|archive-date=December 1, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221201224143/https://www.cnn.com/2022/12/01/tech/kanye-parler-deal-termination/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Philanthropy ===

West, alongside his mother, founded the Kanye West Foundation in Chicago in 2003, tasked with a mission to battle dropout and illiteracy rates, while partnering with community organizations to provide underprivileged youth access to music education.<ref name="Mission Statement">{{cite web|url=http://www.kanyewestfoundation.org/the_foundation.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080806210737/http://www.kanyewestfoundation.org/the_foundation.html|archive-date=August 6, 2008|title=About the Dr. Donda West Foundation|publisher=Kanye West Foundation website (archived)|year=2008|access-date=February 6, 2013}}</ref> In 2007, West and the Foundation partnered with [[Strong American Schools]] as part of their "Ed in '08" campaign.<ref>{{cite news|last=Herszenhorn|first=David M.|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/25/education/25schools.html|title=Billionaires Start $60 Million Schools Effort|work=The New York Times|date=April 25, 2007|access-date=February 6, 2013|archive-date=May 30, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130530090527/http://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/25/education/25schools.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://education-portal.com/articles/Kanye_West_to_Politicians%3A_Yo,_Education_is_Important.html|title=Kanye West to Politicians: Yo, Education Is Important|publisher=Education Portal Stone|date=August 24, 2007|access-date=February 6, 2013|archive-date=July 8, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140708120106/http://education-portal.com/articles/Kanye_West_to_Politicians%3A_Yo,_Education_is_Important.html|url-status=live}}</ref> As spokesman for the campaign, West appeared in a series of PSAs for the organization, and hosted an inaugural benefit concert in August of that year.<ref>{{cite web|last=Webb|first=Tracey|url=http://www.blackgivesback.com/2007/08/hip-hop-superstar-kanye-west-combats.html|title=Hip Hop Superstar Kanye West Combats School Drop Out Rate Through Hip Hop Music|publisher=Black Gives Back|date=August 26, 2007|access-date=February 6, 2013|archive-date=January 16, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130116164634/http://www.blackgivesback.com/2007/08/hip-hop-superstar-kanye-west-combats.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2008, following the death of West's mother, the foundation was rechristened The Dr. Donda West Foundation.<ref name="Mission Statement" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.looktothestars.org/charity/dr-donda-west-foundation|title=Dr. Donda West foundation|publisher=Look to the Stars|access-date=February 6, 2013|archive-date=March 12, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130312044444/http://www.looktothestars.org/charity/dr-donda-west-foundation|url-status=live}}</ref> The foundation ceased operations in 2011.<ref>{{cite news|last=Horowitz|first=Steven J.|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/20/business/20charity.html|title=Kanye West's Charity Closes|work=The New York Times|date=April 19, 2011|access-date=February 6, 2013|archive-date=September 9, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180909035409/https://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/20/business/20charity.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2013, Kanye West and friend [[Rhymefest]] founded Donda's House, Inc., a program aimed at helping at-risk Chicago youth.<ref>{{cite web|last=Minsker|first=Evan Minsker.|url=https://pitchfork.com/news/51675-kanye-wests-dondas-house-launches-free-music-writing-program-for-chicago-youth/|title=Kanye West's Donda's House Launches Free Music Writing Program for Chicago Youth|website=Pitchfork|date=July 28, 2013|access-date=March 11, 2016|archive-date=March 12, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160312071653/http://pitchfork.com/news/51675-kanye-wests-dondas-house-launches-free-music-writing-program-for-chicago-youth/|url-status=live}}</ref>

West has contributed to hurricane relief in 2005 by participating in a [[Hurricane Katrina]] benefit concert after the storm had ravaged black communities in [[New Orleans]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/redeye/redeye-kanye-west-katrina-telethon-george-bush-black-people-20150902-htmlstory.html|title=10 years ago today, Kanye West said, 'George Bush doesn't care about black people'|date=September 2, 2015|last=Terry|first=Josh|website=[[Chicago Tribune]]|access-date=December 11, 2022|archive-date=August 30, 2021|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210830043610/https://www.chicagotribune.com/redeye/redeye-kanye-west-katrina-telethon-george-bush-black-people-20150902-htmlstory.html|url-status=live}}</ref> and in 2012 when he performed at a [[12-12-12: The Concert for Sandy Relief|Hurricane Sandy benefit concert]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/14/arts/music/at-concert-for-sandy-relief-big-names-find-the-right-tone.html|title=Wave After Wave of the Right Tunes|date=December 13, 2012|last=Pareles|first=Jon|website=[[The New York Times]]|access-date=December 11, 2022|archive-date=December 11, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221211211831/https://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/14/arts/music/at-concert-for-sandy-relief-big-names-find-the-right-tone.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In January 2019, West donated $10&nbsp;million towards the completion of the [[Roden Crater]] by American artist [[James Turrell]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Beaumont-Thomas|first=Ben|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2019/jan/15/kanye-west-donates-10-million-for-james-turrell-art-installation|title=Kanye West donates $10m for James Turrell art installation|work=The Guardian|date=January 15, 2019|access-date=January 20, 2019|archive-date=January 21, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190121011023/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2019/jan/15/kanye-west-donates-10-million-for-james-turrell-art-installation|url-status=live}}</ref> In June 2020, in the wake of the [[murder of George Floyd]] and the [[George Floyd protests|following protests]], he donated $2{{nbsp}}million between the family of Floyd and other victims of [[police brutality]], [[Murder of Ahmaud Arbery|Ahmaud Arbery]] and [[Shooting of Breonna Taylor|Breonna Taylor]]. The donation funded legal fees for Arbery and Taylor's families, as well as establishing a [[529 plan]] to fully cover [[college tuition]] for Floyd's daughter.<ref>{{cite news|last=Melas|first=Chloe|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2020/06/04/entertainment/kanye-west-two-million-dollar-donation/index.html|title=Kanye West donates $2 million, pays college tuition for George Floyd's daughter|publisher=CNN|date=June 5, 2020|access-date=June 6, 2020|archive-date=June 6, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200606005541/https://edition.cnn.com/2020/06/04/entertainment/kanye-west-two-million-dollar-donation/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Acting and filmmaking ===

West made [[cameo appearances]] as himself in the films ''[[State Property 2]]'' (2005) and ''[[The Love Guru]]'' (2008),<ref>{{cite web|last1=Rabin|first1=Nathan|title=State Property 2|url=https://film.avclub.com/state-property-2-1798208620|website=[[The A.V. Club]]|access-date=January 17, 2018|date=August 16, 2005|archive-date=January 17, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180117190401/https://film.avclub.com/state-property-2-1798208620|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="MTV Comedy Lover">{{cite web|last1=Newman|first1=Jason|title=High Five: Kanye West, Comedy Lover|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/2694262/hive-five-kanye-west-comedy-lover/|publisher=MTV|access-date=January 17, 2018|date=August 29, 2011|archive-date=April 7, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220407015510/http://www.mtv.com/news/2694262/hive-five-kanye-west-comedy-lover/|url-status=live}}</ref> and in an episode of the television show ''[[Entourage (U.S. TV series)|Entourage]]'' in 2007.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Sundermann|first1=Eric|title=The Kanye West Scene in 'Entourage' Is One of the Greatest Moments in Television History|url=https://noisey.vice.com/da/article/rb8j83/the-kanye-west-entourage-scene-rules|website=[[Noisey]]|publisher=[[Vice Media]]|access-date=January 17, 2018|date=June 8, 2015|archive-date=September 17, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180917105327/https://noisey.vice.com/da/article/rb8j83/the-kanye-west-entourage-scene-rules|url-status=live}}</ref> West provided the voice for "Kenny West", a rapper, in the animated sitcom ''[[The Cleveland Show]]''.<ref name="MTV Comedy Lover" /> In 2009, he starred in the [[Spike Jonze]]-directed short film ''[[We Were Once a Fairytale]]'' (2009), playing himself acting belligerently while drunk in a nightclub.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Itzkoff|first1=Dave|title=Spike Jonze Explains His Kanye West Mini-Movie, 'We Were Once a Fairytale'|url=https://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/10/22/spike-jonze-explains-his-kanye-west-mini-movie-we-were-once-a-fairytale/|website=[[The New York Times]]|access-date=January 17, 2018|date=October 22, 2009|archive-date=January 17, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180117131745/https://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/10/22/spike-jonze-explains-his-kanye-west-mini-movie-we-were-once-a-fairytale/|url-status=live}}</ref> West wrote, directed, and starred in the musical short film ''[[Runaway (2010 film)|Runaway]]'' (2010), which heavily features music from ''My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy''.<ref name="BillboardPremiere" /> The film depicts a relationship between a man, played by West, and a half-woman, half-[[Phoenix (mythology)|phoenix]] creature.<ref name="vulture">{{cite web|url=https://nymag.com/daily/entertainment/2010/10/vulture_talks_to_selita_ebanks.html|title=Vulture Talks to Selita Ebanks, the Star of Kanye's Movie|date=October 19, 2010|first=Amos|last=Barshad|work=[[New York (magazine)|New York]]|access-date=January 17, 2018|archive-date=October 22, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101022131326/http://nymag.com/daily/entertainment/2010/10/vulture_talks_to_selita_ebanks.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2012, West wrote and directed another short film, titled ''[[Cruel Summer (film)|Cruel Summer]]'', which premiered at the [[2012 Cannes Film Festival]] in a custom pyramid-shaped screening pavilion featuring seven screens constructed for the film. The film was inspired by the compilation album [[Cruel Summer (GOOD Music album)|of the same name]]. West made a cameo appearance in the comedy ''[[Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues]]'' (2013) as a [[MTV News]] representative in the film's fight scene.{{citation needed|date=May 2023}} In September 2018, West announced the starting of a film production company named Half Beast, LLC.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.msn.com/en-us/music/celebrity/kanye-west-is-launching-a-new-company-find-out-what-hes-doing-next/ar-BBNpLBp|title=Kanye West is launching a new company: Find out what he's doing next|website=MSN|language=en-US|access-date=September 17, 2018|archive-date=September 17, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180917105259/https://www.msn.com/en-us/music/celebrity/kanye-west-is-launching-a-new-company-find-out-what-hes-doing-next/ar-BBNpLBp|url-status=live}}</ref> A documentary shot over 21 years featuring footage of West's early days in Chicago through the death of his mother to his presidential run was announced to debut in 2021. Titled ''[[Jeen-Yuhs]]'', it was acquired by [[Netflix]] for $30 million.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.complex.com/pop-culture/kanye-west-documentary-reportedly-sold-netflix-30-million|title=Kanye West Documentary Reportedly Sold to Netflix for $30 Million|first=Brenton|last=Blanchet|date=April 7, 2021|publisher=Complex|access-date=October 20, 2021|archive-date=September 18, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210918173351/https://www.complex.com/pop-culture/kanye-west-documentary-reportedly-sold-netflix-30-million|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Presidential campaigns ===
{{Main|Kanye West U.S. presidential campaigns}}

==== 2020 ====
[[File:Kanye West North Charleston Rally, July 2020.jpg|thumb|West at his first campaign rally in [[North Charleston, South Carolina]], on July 19, 2020]]

On July 4, 2020, West announced on Twitter that he would be running in the [[2020 United States presidential election|2020 presidential election]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Seipel |first=Brooke |date=July 4, 2020 |title=Kanye tweets he's running for president |language=en |work=The Hill |url=https://thehill.com/blogs/in-the-know/in-the-know/505893-kanye-tweets-hes-running-for-president |access-date=July 4, 2020 |archive-date=January 20, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210120205450/https://thehill.com/blogs/in-the-know/in-the-know/505893-kanye-tweets-hes-running-for-president |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Drury |first=Sharareh |date=July 4, 2020 |title=Kanye West Announces 2020 Presidential Run |language=en |work=The Hollywood Reporter |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/kanye-west-announces-2020-presidential-run-1301846 |access-date=July 5, 2020 |archive-date=July 5, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200705060424/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/kanye-west-announces-2020-presidential-run-1301846 |url-status=live }}</ref> On July 7, West was interviewed by ''Forbes'' about his presidential run, where he announced that his running mate would be Wyoming preacher Michelle Tidball, and that he would run as an [[independent politician|independent]] under the "Birthday Party", explaining his decision of why he chose the name, saying, "Because when we win, it's everybody's 'birthday'."<ref>{{cite news |last1=Lane |first1=Randall |title=Kanye West Says He's Done With Trump—Opens Up About White House Bid, Damaging Biden And Everything In Between |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/randalllane/2020/07/08/kanye-west-says-hes-done-with-trump-opens-up-about-white-house-bid-damaging-biden-and-everything-in-between/#44bd292447aa |access-date=July 8, 2020 |work=Forbes |date=July 7, 2020 |archive-date=July 8, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200708062958/https://www.forbes.com/sites/randalllane/2020/07/08/kanye-west-says-hes-done-with-trump-opens-up-about-white-house-bid-damaging-biden-and-everything-in-between/#44bd292447aa |url-status=live }}</ref> West also said he no longer supported Trump because he "hid in [a] bunker" during the [[COVID-19 pandemic]].<ref name="France">{{cite news|last=France|first=Lisa Respers|date=July 8, 2020|title=Kanye West says he no longer supports Trump and that he had coronavirus|url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/07/08/entertainment/kanye-trump-coronavirus-forbes/index.html|access-date=July 8, 2020|publisher=CNN|archive-date=July 14, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200714174654/https://www.cnn.com/2020/07/08/entertainment/kanye-trump-coronavirus-forbes/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Continuing, he said, "You know? Obama's special. Trump's special. We say Kanye West is special. America needs special people that lead. [[Bill Clinton]]? Special. [[Joe Biden]]'s not special."<ref name="France" />

Various political pundits speculated that West's presidential run was a publicity stunt to promote his latest music releases.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Rolli |first1=Bryan |title=Kanye West's 2020 Presidential Run Is Just His Latest Outrageous Promotional Stunt |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/bryanrolli/2020/07/05/kanye-west-2020-presidential-run-promotional-stunt/#79c654b74a9d |access-date=July 8, 2020 |issue=July 5, 2020 |work=Forbes |archive-date=July 19, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200719023633/https://www.forbes.com/sites/bryanrolli/2020/07/05/kanye-west-2020-presidential-run-promotional-stunt/#79c654b74a9d |url-status=live }}</ref> On July 15, 2020, official paperwork was filed with the [[Federal Election Commission]] for West, under the "BDY" Party affiliation<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Kreps |first=Daniel |date=July 15, 2020 |title=A 'Kanye 2020' Committee Just Filed With the FEC, But Is It Legit? |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/kanye-2020-fec-1029361/ |access-date=August 16, 2020 |magazine=Rolling Stone |language=en-US |archive-date=August 18, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200818025733/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/kanye-2020-fec-1029361/ |url-status=live }}</ref> amid claims that he was preparing to drop out.<ref>{{cite web|date=July 15, 2020|title=Kanye West has reportedly dropped out of the presidential race|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/kanye-west-has-reportedly-dropped-out-of-the-presidential-race-2707866|access-date=July 15, 2020|website=NME|language=en-GB|archive-date=July 15, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200715053629/https://www.nme.com/news/music/kanye-west-has-reportedly-dropped-out-of-the-presidential-race-2707866|url-status=live}}</ref> West held his first rally that weekend, on July 19.<ref>{{Cite news |date=July 20, 2020 |title=Kanye West launches unconventional 2020 campaign |language=en-GB |publisher=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-53467658 |access-date=July 20, 2020 |archive-date=July 20, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200720010206/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-53467658 |url-status=live }}</ref> West aligned himself with the philosophy of a [[consistent life ethic]], a tenet of [[Christian democracy]].<ref name="PCR2020">{{cite web |title=Kanye West picks 'biblical life coach' as presidential running mate |url=https://premierchristian.news/en/news/article/kanye-west-picks-biblical-life-coach-as-presidential-running-mate2 |publisher=[[Premier Christian Radio]] |access-date=August 31, 2020 |language=en |date=July 10, 2020 |archive-date=August 12, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200812180559/https://premierchristian.news/en/news/article/kanye-west-picks-biblical-life-coach-as-presidential-running-mate2 |url-status=live }}</ref> His platform advocated for the creation of a [[culture of life]], endorsing [[Stewardship (theology)|environmental stewardship]], supporting the arts, buttressing [[faith-based organization]]s, restoring [[school prayer]], providing for a strong national defense, and [[America First (policy)|"America First" diplomacy]].<ref name="Kornhaber2020">{{cite web |last1=Kornhaber |first1=Spencer |title=Kanye West, Political Pawn |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/culture/archive/2020/08/how-kanye-west-became-political-pawn/615256/ |publisher=[[The Atlantic]] |access-date=August 20, 2020 |language=en |date=August 14, 2020 |archive-date=November 23, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201123224432/https://www.theatlantic.com/culture/archive/2020/08/how-kanye-west-became-political-pawn/615256/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In July 2020, West told ''Forbes'' that he is ignorant on issues such as taxes and foreign policy.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/randalllane/2020/07/08/kanye-west-says-hes-done-with-trump-opens-up-about-white-house-bid-damaging-biden-and-everything-in-between/|title=Kanye West Says He's Done With Trump—Opens Up About White House Bid, Damaging Biden And Everything In Between|first=Randall|last=Lane|website=Forbes|date=July 8, 2020|access-date=July 8, 2020|archive-date=July 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200708062958/https://www.forbes.com/sites/randalllane/2020/07/08/kanye-west-says-hes-done-with-trump-opens-up-about-white-house-bid-damaging-biden-and-everything-in-between/|url-status=live}}</ref>

West conceded on Twitter on November 4, 2020.<ref>{{cite web|date=November 4, 2020|title='Welp': Kanye West admits defeat while teasing 2024 run|url=https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/welp-kanye-west-admits-defeat-while-teasing-2024-run|access-date=November 6, 2020|website=The Washington Examiner|first=Anthony|last=Leonardi|language=en|archive-date=November 5, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201105110135/https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/welp-kanye-west-admits-defeat-while-teasing-2024-run|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Carras |first=Christi |date=November 4, 2020 |title=Well, one thing is certain: Kanye West will not be elected president |language=en-US |work=Los Angeles Times |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/music/story/2020-11-04/election-2020-kanye-west-votes-president |access-date=November 5, 2020}}</ref> He received 66,365 votes in the 12 states he had ballot access in, receiving an average of 0.32%. Reported write-in votes gave West an additional 3,931 votes across 5 states. In addition, the ''[[Roque De La Fuente]] / Kanye West'' ticket won 60,160 votes [[2020 United States presidential election in California|in California]] (0.34%).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fec.gov/resources/cms-content/documents/2020presgeresults.pdf|title=OFFICIAL 2020 PRESIDENTIAL GENERAL ELECTION RESULTS|publisher=FEC |access-date=June 4, 2021}}</ref> According to ''[[Reuters]]'', on January 4, 2021, a Kanye West-linked publicist pressured a Georgia election worker to confess to bogus charges of election tampering to assist [[Attempts to overturn the 2020 United States presidential election|Trump's claims of election interference]].<ref>{{Cite news|last1=Szep|first1=Jason|last2=So|first2=Linda|date=December 10, 2021|title=Kanye West publicist pressed Georgia election worker to confess to bogus fraud charges|language=en|publisher=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecom/kanye-west-publicist-pressed-georgia-election-worker-confess-bogus-fraud-charges-2021-12-10/|access-date=December 12, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Olding|first=Barbie Latza Nadeau, Rachel|date=December 10, 2021|title=Of Course Trump's Jan. 6 Plot Now Involves Kanye's Henchwoman|language=en|work=The Daily Beast|url=https://www.thedailybeast.com/trevian-kutti-kanye-publicist-urged-georgia-election-worker-ruby-freeman-to-confess-to-fraud-says-reuters|access-date=December 12, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Jenkins|first=Cameron|date=December 10, 2021|title=Publicist linked to Kanye West pushed election worker to confess to Trump's fraud claims: Reuters|url=https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/585368-publicist-linked-to-kanye-west-pushed-election-worker-to|access-date=December 12, 2021|website=The Hill|language=en}}</ref> In December 2021, ''[[The Daily Beast]]'' reported that West's presidential campaign received millions of dollars in services from a secret network of Republican operatives, payments to which the committee did not report. According to campaign finance experts, this was done to conceal a connection.<ref>{{Cite news|last1=Sollenberger|first1=Roger|last2=Bredderman|first2=William|date=December 17, 2021|title=Kanye West's 'Independent' Campaign Was Secretly Run by GOP Elites|language=en|work=[[The Daily Beast]]|url=https://www.thedailybeast.com/kanye-wests-independent-campaign-was-secretly-run-by-gop-elites|access-date=December 18, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=McLaughlin|first=Kelly|date=December 17, 2021|title=Kanye West's presidential campaign was run by GOP operatives who were trying to re-elect Trump, investigation finds|url=https://www.businessinsider.com/kanye-west-presidential-campaign-gop-operatives-investigation-finds-2021-12|access-date=December 18, 2021|website=[[Business Insider]]|language=en-US}}</ref>

==== 2024 ====
West has stated his intentions to run for president again in the [[2024 United States presidential election|2024 presidential election]]. In November 2019, he said at an event, "When I run for president in 2024, we would've created so many jobs that I'm not going to run, I'm going to walk." He was met with laughter from the audience.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/celebrities/2019/11/08/kanye-west-says-hes-running-president-2024/2527854001/ |title=Kanye West on joining 2024 presidential race: 'I'm not going to run, I'm going to walk' |website=[[USA Today]]}}</ref> On October 24, 2020, while running for president, West told [[Joe Rogan]] on his podcast that he would be open to running for [[Governor of California]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.tmz.com/2020/10/24/kanye-west-joe-rogan-experience-podcast-governor-president-race/|title=Kanye West Open to Running for CA Governor on Joe Rogan's Podcast|website=TMZ|date=October 24, 2020 }}</ref> On May 19, 2021, [[Fox News]] reported that it had obtained a letter concerning an RFAI (Request for further information) from the [[Federal Election Commission]] regarding an exploratory presidential committee. West's representatives stated, "Kanye West has not decided whether to become a candidate for president in the 2024 election, and the activity of the Kanye 2020 committee that prompted this RFAI is strictly exploratory."<ref>{{cite web|last=McCarthy|first=Tyler|date=May 19, 2021|title=Kanye West 'has not decided' if he'll run for president again in 2024|url=https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/kanye-west-not-decided-run-president-2024|access-date=January 6, 2022|publisher=Fox News|language=en-US}}</ref> West said he approached former president Donald Trump and asked him if he would be interested in being his running mate.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Helmore |first=Edward |date=November 25, 2022 |title=Kanye West announces 2024 presidential bid amid far-right ties |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2022/nov/25/kanye-west-presidential-run-2024 |access-date=June 27, 2023 |issn=0261-3077}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Kanye West announces he's running for president |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/kanye-west-announced-running-president/story?id=71614805 |access-date=June 27, 2023 |website=ABC News |language=en}}</ref> On subsequent interviews, merchandise, and in songs lyrics, West would repeatedly insinuate that he will indeed run.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/kanye-west-hints-at-running-in-2024-election-wants-kims-support/|title=Kanye West Hints at Running in 2024 Election in New Song — and Hopes Kim Kardashian Will Support Him|author=Thompson, Eliza|date=April 29, 2022|work=US Weekly}}</ref> On November 20, 2022, Kanye announced his intention to run in 2024.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/kanye-ye-west-says-run-002722425.html | title=Kanye 'Ye' West Says He Will Run for President in 2024 (Video)|work=Yahoo! Entertainment|first=Loree|last=Seitz|date=November 21, 2022|access-date=December 4, 2022}}</ref> In October 2023, an attorney for West said that he "is not a candidate for office in 2024".<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/kanye-west-not-running-president-2024-1235450094/|title=Kanye West Not Running For President in 2024|date=October 20, 2023|last=Kaufman|first=Gil|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|access-date=November 20, 2023}}</ref>