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11th June 2024 EDT FEATURES

47 Years of Kanye West: A Look Back at the Music, Mayhem & the Man Behind YEEZY

Celebrate the 47th birthday of Kanye West! Look back at his impact on music, fashion & sneakers. From award-winning music to trendsetting YEEZY designs, his influence is undeniable.

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47 Years of Kanye West: A Look Back at the Music, Mayhem & the Man Behind YEEZY
47 Years of Kanye West: A Look Back at the Music, Mayhem & the Man Behind YEEZY
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Kanye West has lived one Hell Of A Life so far. He’s a cultural phenomenon whose influence transcends beyond rap and hip-hop. His iconic status is undeniable, with his numerous Grammy awards, outspoken personality, with some opinions sparking controversy, and his trendsetting fashion sense (remember those shutter shades in his Graduation era) that continues pushing the envelope, solidifying his place in pop culture history.

Kanye West

Diving deeper into Kanye’s impact on the sneaker market and streetwear scene is nothing short of revolutionary. His first ever collaboration that was publicly released was none other than with BAPE, releasing the “Dropout Bear” Bapesta, after the success of his debut album, The College Dropout.

But it was the collaboration with Nike on the Air Yeezy line in 2009 that proved to be a turning point. The hype surrounding the silhouette was an unprecedented frenzy, with people camping out at stores just so they could get their hands on it while some pairs ended up on eBay at exorbitant pricing, showcasing the demand for shoes.

Kanye West

Despite falling out with Nike, Kanye’s stocks did not decline. The subsequent launch of his own brand, YEEZY, with the help of adidas in 2015, further cemented his status as an influential figure in the sneaker world. YEEZY’s designs, characterized by minimalism and innovative materials, challenged the status quo and redefined what a sneaker could be.

The brand’s influence goes beyond aesthetics. YEEZY’s marketing strategies, with surprise drops and limited editions, created a sense of urgency and hype that continues to drive the sneaker market today. Every YEEZY release is a cultural event, and just like the Air Yeezy from before, it saw fans lining up for hours and online marketplaces buzzing with anticipation.

Kanye West

However, every good thing must come to an end. As a result of Kanye’s debacle with CEO Bjørn Gulden, the rapper’s YEEZY line with the Three Stripes was coming to an end. In the past five months alone, adidas has been releasing the remaining YEEZY inventory, clearing their stocks and marking the end of the collaboration between the Chicago rapper and the German sports brand.

If you have missed the release windows from adidas, fear not. SNKRDUNK has got you covered with a list of the 20 most popular YEEZY silhouettes you can cop on our app right now. 


Most Popular YEEZY Footwear

adidas YEEZY Boost 350 V2 “Zebra”

adidas YEEZY Foam Runner “MX Cinder”

adidas YEEZY 500 “Utility Black”

adidas YEEZY Boost 350 V2 “Core Black/Red”

adidas YEEZY Slide “Pure”

adidas YEEZY Boost 350 “Pirate Black”

adidas YEEZY Slide “Onyx”

adidas YEEZY Foam Runner “Clay Taupe”

adidas YEEZY Foam Runner “Stone Salt”

adidas YEEZY Boost 350 V2 “Mono Clay”

adidas YEEZY Slide “Glow Green”

adidas YEEZY Boost 700 “Enflame Amber”

If you need assistance in terms of sizing, check out our size guide


Looking to the future, YEEZY shows no signs of slowing down even if Kanye has to take the brand independent. With Kanye’s unwavering persistence to cement himself as a cultural icon, the brand is poised to continue shaping the fashion landscape. We can expect to see YEEZY exploring sustainable materials and potentially venturing into new territories beyond footwear.

Kanye West’s influence on music, fashion, and sneakers is undeniable. He’s a true iconoclast whose creativity has redefined entire industries. The future of YEEZY, much like Kanye himself, is an exciting prospect, brimming with endless possibilities in this beautiful, dark twisted fantasy. Wake Up Mr. West, happy 47th birthday!


For the latest releases, breaking news, and exclusive interviews, stay tuned to the SNKRDUNK Magazine and @snkrdunk on Instagram. Explore the SNKRDUNK App, too, and don’t forget to use our welcome code from the banner below before making your first purchase. Additionally, if you want to try a pair out, visit our stores in Singapore and Japan!


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