Image via Complex Original
Ever since Kanye West released The College Dropout back in 2004, the Louis Vuitton Don has been on a roll with the ladies. His current relationship with Kim Kardashian, one of the most beautiful women in the world and a notorious serial dater in her own right, seems to make headlines on an almost daily basis. But that's old news for 'Ye, who with his G.O.O.D. Music crew is releasing their anticipated new album Cruel Summer today, because over the course of the last decade or so, Kanye's been romantically linked to some of the hottest women on the planet.
So before "KimYe gets married" winds up as a trending topic on Twitter, take a look back at some of Kanye's hottest hook-ups.
Virginie Maury
When: Summer 2010
Kanye's post-Amber Rose rebound tour kicked off in France, where he was spotted in Cannes making out with French model Virginie Maury. Apparently it was only a brief rendezvous, because the two were never spotted together again.
Smash Probability: That does look like the balcony of a hotel room, doesn't it?
Melody Thornton
When: Fall 2010
Perhaps the most understated of Kanye's hook-ups, Ye was seen holding hands and hitting red carpets with ex-Pussycat Doll Melody Thornton shortly after his breakup with Amber Rose back in 2010.
Smash Probability: We have a feeling that this relationship may have never left the red carpet.
Angela Martini
When: Spring 2010
This fling reportedly quickly took a turn for the worse when the beauty queen was accused of more or less stalking the Chi-town hitmaker. After allegedly being banned from the Watch The Throne album launch party, tabloids reported that Martini would start trying to stage run-ins with the rapper. But Martini's camp has denied the whole ordeal.
Smash Probability: She said it herself: None.
Brooke Crittendon
When: 2004
During a brief split with Alexis Phifer, Kanye began dating Brooke Crittendon, an aspiring actress who later wound up with a starring role on BET's Harlem Nights. Crittendon is quoted as likening their relationship to "a trip to Disneyland."
Smash Probability: You don't go to Disneyland without going on the rides.
Alexis Phifer
When: 2002 - 2008
Alexis and Kanye, who began dating on and off back in 2002, two years prior to Kanye's breakthrough smash, The College Dropout, got engaged in 2006. It seemed like a match made in heaven. However, after an 18-month whirlwind engagement, the two decided to go their separate ways in 2008.
The grief over the breakup is what's said to have inspired Kanye's eclectically auto-tuned 808's & Heartbreaks album.
Smash Probability: They were engaged. Come on.
Candice Swanepoel
When: April 2011
After checking her out at a Victoria's Secret VIP party, Kanye was reportedly smitten with Candice Swanepoel, a stunning South African Victoria's Secret Angel. Multiple sources reported that Kanye's people were scrambling to get Swanepoel's digits for Ye after the event.
Smash Probability: We never heard anything else about this one, so we're assuming it wound up as a crush, not a smash.
Amber Rose
When: February 2009 - July 2010
Kanye dated Amber Rose, who may be better known these days as Wiz Khalifa's future baby mama, for well over a year. During that time, Yeezy and the bald-headed beauty were arguably the hottest couple in entertainment.
Smash Probability: Not only did Kanye and Amber date for nearly two years, but they were regularly seen all over each other in public. PDA equals SIP: Smashing In Private.
Selita Ebanks
When: August 2010 - September 2010
Though this relationship was brief, Kanye did spend a good deal of time with this former Victoria's Secret Angel, who was the star of his "Runaway" video, after his relationship with Amber Rose had ran it's course. Amongst other places, the two were spotted cozying up next to one another at the 2010 US Open.
Smash Probability: A gorgeous fashion model from the Cayman Islands? If he didn't at least try, he's nuts.
Kate Upton
When: April 2011
Kanye reportedly snuck in the back door at a Victoria’s Secret VIP Swim event where it was reported that he and Kate were seen flirting and left hand-in-hand. Kate later claimed the two were not dating.
Smash Probability: Kate, who said anything about dating?
Kim Kardashian
When: April 2012 - Present
Kanye West has always kept up with the Kardashians. He's reportedly had his eye on Kim ever since the two struck up a friendship back in 2006, so we're sure he couldn't have been happier when the reigning queen of reality TV's marriage to NBA player Kris Humphries fell apart after just 72 days. Not long after the most infamous divorce of the decade, Kanye and Kim began appearing in public together, and it was clear that the two were no longer "just friends."
Since Kanye and Kim became Kimye, the two legitimately seem like they've never been happier.
Smash Probability: No one has any doubt about this one.
