Kanye West Ex Girlfriend, the iconic rapper, producer, and fashion designer, has always been a figure of intense public interest, not just for his groundbreaking music and bold fashion statements, but also for his high-profile relationships. Over the years, Kanye’s love life has been as dynamic and varied as his career. From early relationships before his rise to fame to his more recent high-profile romances, here’s a detailed look at the women who have been romantically linked to Kanye West.

Kanye West Ex Girlfriend

Sumeke Rainey was Kanye West’s high school sweetheart, and their relationship began long before he became a household name. While not much is known about their time together, it’s clear that Sumeke played a significant role in Kanye’s early life. Their relationship lasted through Kanye’s initial forays into the music industry, and he has referenced her in his music. In his song “Never Let Me Down” from the album “The College Dropout,” Kanye raps about promising Sumeke’s father that he would take care of her. Despite their eventual breakup, Sumeke remains an important part of Kanye’s pre-fame narrative.

Alexis Phifer

One of Kanye West’s first public relationships was with fashion designer Alexis Phifer. They began dating in 2002 and had an on-again, off-again relationship that lasted several years. Alexis was with Kanye during a crucial period of his career, including the release of his first three albums: “The College Dropout,” “Late Registration,” and “Graduation.

In 2006, Kanye proposed to Alexis, and they were engaged for 18 months. However, their relationship came to an end in 2008. In various interviews, Alexis has spoken positively about Kanye, acknowledging his influence on her career and their mutual support for each other’s creative endeavors. Their breakup was amicable, and Alexis remains a respected figure in the fashion industry.

Brooke Crittendon

Brooke Crittendon, an actress and former MTV executive, dated Kanye West briefly in 2005 during one of his breaks with Alexis Phifer. Their relationship was relatively short-lived but received considerable media attention. Brooke later spoke about her time with Kanye, describing him as a passionate and driven individual who was intensely focused on his career. While their relationship did not last long, it provided a glimpse into Kanye’s life during the early stages of his rise to fame.

Amber Rose

Amber Rose is perhaps one of the most famous of Kanye West’s ex-girlfriends. The model and actress began dating Kanye in 2008, shortly after his breakup with Alexis Phifer. Their relationship was highly publicized, and they quickly became one of Hollywood’s most talked-about couples. Amber’s distinctive style and bold personality complemented Kanye’s own larger-than-life persona, making them a paparazzi favorite.

The couple dated for two years, during which time Amber appeared in Kanye’s music video for “Flashing Lights” and often accompanied him to high-profile events. Their breakup in 2010 was acrimonious, with both parties making public statements about the other. Despite the drama surrounding their split, Amber Rose has since acknowledged Kanye’s impact on her life and career, even as she continues to carve out her own path in the entertainment industry.

Selita Ebanks

After his breakup with Amber Rose, Kanye West was briefly linked to model Selita Ebanks. The two were spotted together at various events in 2010, and Selita starred in Kanye’s short film “Runaway,” which accompanied his album “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy.” While their relationship was never officially confirmed, their chemistry in the film and public appearances sparked rumors of a romance. Selita, a successful model in her own right, later clarified that they were just friends, but their rumored relationship remains a part of Kanye’s dating history.

Kim Kardashian

Kanye West’s most high-profile relationship has undoubtedly been with reality TV star and business mogul Kim Kardashian. The two had been friends for many years before they began dating in 2012. Their relationship quickly became one of the most talked-about in the world, with media coverage documenting their every move.

Kanye and Kim’s romance led to their engagement in October 2013, and they married in a lavish ceremony in Florence, Italy, in May 2014. The couple has four children together: North, Saint, Chicago, and Psalm. Throughout their relationship, Kim and Kanye were often seen as a power couple, supporting each other’s ventures in fashion, music, and business.

However, their relationship faced numerous challenges, including Kanye’s mental health struggles and his controversial statements in the media. In early 2021, Kim filed for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences. Despite their separation, Kim and Kanye have remained committed to co-parenting their children and have expressed mutual respect for each other.

Irina Shayk

Following his split from Kim Kardashian, Kanye West was linked to Russian supermodel Irina Shayk. The two were first spotted together in June 2021, sparking rumors of a new romance. Irina and Kanye had known each other for years, with Irina previously appearing in the music video for Kanye’s song “Power” in 2010.

Their relationship, however, was short-lived. By August 2021, reports emerged that they had gone their separate ways. Despite the brief nature of their romance, it was clear that Kanye and Irina shared a genuine connection and mutual admiration.

Julia Fox

In early 2022, Kanye West made headlines once again with his new relationship with actress Julia Fox. The two were first spotted together on New Year’s Eve, and their whirlwind romance quickly captured public attention. Julia, known for her role in the film “Uncut Gems,” and Kanye seemed to share a deep connection, with Julia describing their relationship as “organic” and “natural” in interviews.

However, their romance was short-lived, lasting only a few months. Despite the breakup, Julia has spoken positively about Kanye, noting his generosity and creative spirit. Their brief relationship added another chapter to Kanye’s complex romantic history.

Chaney Jones

In early 2022, following his split from Julia Fox, Kanye West was linked to model and influencer Chaney Jones. The two were spotted together at various events and outings, often drawing attention due to Chaney’s resemblance to Kim Kardashian. While their relationship was relatively low-key compared to Kanye’s past romances, it nonetheless generated significant media interest.

Kanye and Chaney’s relationship appeared to be more casual and less publicized, with fewer appearances and statements compared to his previous high-profile relationships. By mid-2022, reports indicated that they had amicably gone their separate ways, adding another brief yet notable chapter to Kanye’s dating history.

Bianca Censori

In late 2022, Kanye West was linked to Australian architect and Yeezy employee Bianca Censori. The two reportedly began dating after Kanye’s split from Chaney Jones. Their relationship was kept relatively private compared to his previous romances, but sources close to the couple noted their strong connection and shared interests in architecture and design.

Bianca, who holds a Master of Architecture degree, has been involved in various projects for Kanye’s Yeezy brand. Their relationship, while not as publicized as some of Kanye’s past romances, highlights his continued preference for partners who share his creative passions and vision.

FAQs

 

Who were Kanye West’s most notable ex-girlfriends before Kim Kardashian?

Kanye West has had several high-profile relationships before marrying Kim Kardashian. Some of the most notable ex-girlfriends include Alexis Phifer, Amber Rose, and Brooke Crittendon. Alexis Phifer, a fashion designer, dated Kanye on and off for several years and was even engaged to him. Amber Rose, a model and actress, was in a highly publicized relationship with Kanye from 2008 to 2010. Brooke Crittendon, an MTV assistant, also had a significant relationship with Kanye in the mid-2000s.

What was the relationship between Kanye West and Alexis Phifer like?

Kanye West and Alexis Phifer had a long-term relationship that began in 2002. The couple got engaged in 2006, but their relationship faced challenges, especially as Kanye’s career skyrocketed. They were known for their stylish appearances together and often attended fashion events. However, their engagement ended in 2008, reportedly due to the strains of Kanye’s growing fame and the demands of his career. Despite their split, they have spoken respectfully of each other in the years since.

How did Kanye West’s relationship with Amber Rose impact his career and public image?

Kanye West’s relationship with Amber Rose was highly publicized and often controversial. They began dating in 2008 and their relationship lasted until 2010. Amber Rose, known for her distinctive look and bold personality, was a fixture in Kanye’s life during a crucial period in his career. Their relationship brought a lot of media attention, both positive and negative. Amber Rose later claimed that Kanye’s actions and their breakup left her feeling publicly humiliated, which led to her advocating for women’s rights and empowerment. The relationship’s end was marked by public feuds and heated exchanges, significantly impacting both their public images.

Who is Brooke Crittendon and what was her relationship with Kanye West like?

Brooke Crittendon is an MTV assistant who dated Kanye West in the mid-2000s. Their relationship wasn’t as publicized as his later relationships, but it was significant during Kanye’s early rise to fame. Brooke has spoken in interviews about their relationship, noting that Kanye was deeply ambitious and focused on his career, which sometimes created tension between them. Despite their eventual breakup, she has acknowledged Kanye’s talent and drive, reflecting positively on their time together.

Did Kanye West date any other celebrities before marrying Kim Kardashian?

Apart from Alexis Phifer, Amber Rose, and Brooke Crittendon, Kanye West was rumored to have had brief flings and relationships with other celebrities, though many were never confirmed. These rumors include brief links to models and actresses within the entertainment industry. However, none of these rumored relationships gained as much attention or had as significant an impact on his life as his relationships with Phifer and Rose.

How did Kanye West’s breakup with Alexis Phifer influence his music?

Kanye West’s breakup with Alexis Phifer had a profound impact on his music. His album “808s & Heartbreak,” released in 2008, was heavily influenced by the emotional turmoil he experienced during and after their split. The album marked a significant departure from his previous work, featuring more introspective lyrics and a melancholic tone, as well as heavy use of auto-tune. Songs like “Heartless” and “Coldest Winter” are often seen as direct reflections of his feelings during that period. This album is credited with influencing a new wave of hip-hop and pop music, showcasing Kanye’s ability to channel personal pain into creative expression.

What were some of the controversies involving Kanye West and Amber Rose?

Kanye West and Amber Rose’s relationship was marked by several controversies. Their public appearances often garnered attention for their provocative style and behavior. After their breakup, the tension between them escalated, leading to public feuds. One notable incident occurred when Kanye mentioned Amber in a derogatory manner during a radio interview, which led to a series of heated exchanges on social media between Amber, Kanye, and his then-wife Kim Kardashian. Amber has also made claims about Kanye’s controlling behavior during their relationship, adding to the controversial nature of their past together.

How did Kanye West’s past relationships shape his relationship with Kim Kardashian?

Kanye West’s past relationships played a significant role in shaping his approach to his marriage with Kim Kardashian. His experiences with high-profile relationships and the public scrutiny that came with them likely influenced his desire to protect and nurture his relationship with Kim. Kanye and Kim had been friends for many years before they began dating, which provided a strong foundation for their relationship. The lessons Kanye learned from his previous relationships, such as the importance of communication and mutual respect, were likely factors that contributed to the success of his marriage to Kim, despite its eventual challenges. Their relationship combined their star power, resulting in one of the most talked-about celebrity marriages in recent history.