Kanye West has us questioning our allegiances. We originally published this feature back in 2015, and decided in 2018 it was due for an update.
Whether or not you can separate an artist for their art is a question everyone must answer individually, as is whether their present should affect our perspective on their past. But regardless of who he is today, Kanye's ascendance is still an epic story of hard work and talent manifest. You could see his artistic vision taking shape year after year, as the stages got more ambitious and the music branched out in unexpected directions.
At this point, we can't say whether Kanye will ever tour again. But even in that worst case scenario, he's already given us 15 years of greatness. Here are videos of Kanye performing every year since 2003.
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
LeBron James was on hand to introduce Kanye for what would accidentally become a legendary performance. Mr. West was on Saturday Night Live performing "Everything I Am" when he tripped up during the second verse.
He quickly recovered, but rather than perform the recorded lyrics, Kanye started freestyling. References to LeBron and Kanye's security guard Barry prove this is indeed off top, and he wins the crowd over as a result. It's one of Kanye's more human and endearing moments.
2008
2009
2009, otherwise known as the year Kanye cut off Taylor Swift at the VMAs. Seven months before he turned heel, Kanye performed "Swagga Like Us" with M.I.A., Jay Z, and T.I. at the Grammys. Kanye was already embracing his braggadocious personality, and this performance—flanked by the biggest stars in music—was the perfect in-your-face celebration.
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2016 was a pivotal year in Kanye West's career and life. He released The Life of Pablo, publicly admitted to owing millions in debt, saw his Yeezy fashion line endure criticism and fainting spells, cut a concert short upon learning his wife had been robbed and held at gunpoint, came out in support of Donald Trump, canceled the back end of a worldwide tour for health reasons, and was hospitalized in December.
It was also the year he redefined the live experience. The Saint Pablo tour was nothing short of astounding, and featured a first-of-its-kind flying stage that allowed Kanye to cover over his mosh-ready crowds. The video we chose isn't the greatest quality, but it gives you a good feel for the energy in the pit. Travis Scott, Kevin Durant, and DJ Khaled were among many big names who couldn't resist going under the stage, and the tour will be remembered as yet another groundbreaking moment for West.