Kanye West performs at a release party for his first album, “The College Dropout,” in San Francisco in 2004. Getty Images
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Just after the release of “The College Dropout,” Kanye West opened for Usher when the R&B star emarked on his “The Truth Tour” in 2004. Getty Images
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Kanye West performs “Jesus Walks” with a church choir at the 2005 Grammy Awards. “Jesus Walks” won the Grammy for Best Rap Song, one of 3 Grammies Kanye took home that night after being nominated for 15. ASSOCIATED PRESS
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Kanye West performs with a live orchestra during the Live 8 benefit concert in Philadelphia in 2005. ASSOCIATED PRESS
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Kanye West performs with Jay-Z at Hot 97’s Summer Jam in 2005. The duo would continue collaborating throughout their careers, and eventually released an album together in 2011.
WireImage for Hot 97
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Kanye West performs with Pharrell Williams at Bryant Park for the Good Morning America Summer Concert Series in 2006.
KEN BABOLCSAY-GLOBE PHOTOS
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Kanye West performs at the 2008 MTV Video Music Awards, in support of his upcoming album “808s and Heartbreak.” AP
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Kanye West performs “American Boy” with Estelle at the 2009 Grammy Awards. The song won the duo a Grammy for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration and was nominated for Song of the Year. ASSOCIATED PRESS
