While Kanye West is noted mostly for his music, production and ego there is something else about the Louis Vuitton Don that has made him a rap legend. West's ability to successfully brand himself not only as a rapper but as a voice for pop culture as well has placed him in a position of influence in the music, art, and fashion communities.
And to think . . It all started with a stupid teddy bear . .
Anyone who can build a successful brand off of a teddy bear or as West called it, "The Drop Out Bear", deserves some type of entrepreneurial award. West has used his branding and marketing talents to go places in business few emcees ever have (including Jay Z and Puff). Sneaker deals with NIKE are difficult to come by even for successful athletes yet West somehow was able to leverage his influence in the world of fashion and strike a deal with NIKE to release his very own Air Yeezy's.
Few Rocafella artists were able withstand the break up between the label's owners (Jay Z and Dame Dash) however West's ability to establish his brand apart from Rocafella enabled him to emerge from the fall out unscathed. Though we are a far cry from the 'College Drop Out' and 'Late Registration' days, it is still good to reminisce . . .
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