Kanye West has never been shy about expressing his admiration for fellow designers. West’s fashion-focused shout-outs appear on every album, but even when he isn’t bragging about his plans to “steal Demna from Balenciaga,” he takes the time to share his appreciation for the work of those in his chosen field whom he considers impactful, and industry giants like Ralph Lauren and Riccardo Tisci are only part of what influences West. His mentions of other artists pay tribute to hip-hop’s history while saluting some of its most stylish performers. An appreciator of musicians who provide the total package—i.e., great clothes and powerful hits—West consistently credits those who created trends or challenged preconceived notions about what a rapper could wear. Five of the most pivotal, here.
Cam’ron
King of pastel pelts worn with matching flip phones and oversize jewelry, Cam’ron’s custom wardrobe served as the precursor to West’s preppy phase and still resonates today, with Yeezy cheekily referencing him as the inspiration for North West’s colorful wardrobe.
“Pink fur, got Nori dressing like Cam, thank God for me.
Whole family gettin
money, thank God for E!”— “No More Parties in L.A.”
Slick Rick
With his layers of gold chains and diamonds, Slick Rick helped to popularize bling. West would go on to compare himself—and his jewelry collection—to the rap legend.
“Hey Young World, I’m the new Slick Rick”— “Knock You Down”
Puff Daddy
In interviews, West frequently cites Puff Daddy as one of his biggest influences. Given their shared career trajectories (beginning as producers, then becoming rappers and fashion designers), the two share a creative spirit as well as a taste for floor-length furs, diamonds, and clothing fresh from the runway.
“See, that’s a little Don Juan game
All across your chest like Sean John name” — “Gettin’ It In”
Lauryn Hill
The mellow, socially conscious Lauryn Hill might seem worlds away from West’s brash persona, but he has cited her as a source of inspiration both for her groundbreaking album The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill and her Afrocentric personal style.
“Lauryn Hill said her heart was in Zion
I wish her heart still was in rhymin’
’Cause who the kids gonna listen to? Huh?”— “Champion”
Jay Z
Long before they were collaborating on albums and sold-out tours, West was a dedicated fan of Jay Z’s oeuvre and his Rocawear label. Jay’s affinity for dapper suits and tailored pieces also served to upgrade West from Louis Vuitton Don to Yeezy.
“Us in the mall, coppin’ Iceberg and yell out ‘Jigga’
Yeah, that’s what we’ll yell out, yell out
You know the name do I gotta spell out or tell ’bout
J-A-Y, and ’Ye so shy
Now he won’t even step to his idol to say hi”— “Big Brother”