No matter what you think of his persona or music, there’s absolutely no denying that Kanye West has achieved a star power unlike any other.

On top of his instantly quotable interviews and onstage rants, he’s formed a concrete catalogue of classics since emerging in the rap game two decades ago. From his soul-infused production to undeniable club bangers, sprawling epics and biting social commentary, West’s music career has been nothing short of stellar.

He’s also been a pivotal figure in fashion and pop culture generally, fueled by his outspoken views and bizarre behaviour – so we collected eight unforgettable moments where Kanye West stopped the world. See them all below and relive the greatness. Of course, we have to play his 2 Chainz collaboration ‘Birthday Song’ before we get into it:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y34jC4I1m70

“George Bush doesn’t care about black people”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zIUzLpO1kxI

Aside from all the braggadocio, Kanye West is a biting advocate for racial equality – he even appeared on a Dead Prez record way back in 2000 – and he’s never been shy on voicing the frustrations of Black America in his music or in interviews. Here, in the aftermath of Huricane Katrina, Kanye West appeared on national television and deviated from the original script by abruptly claiming that “George Bush doesn’t care about black people” – much to the surprise of accompanying hosts Mike Myers and Chris Tucker. We were all thinking it, but few would say it on national television, and what resulted was a classic segment that hasn’t been forgotten.

The premiere of The Life of Pablo at Madison Square Garden

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lop0Pm-Xu7U

Earlier this year, we were lucky enough to be in New York while on tour with Alison Wonderland, and it just so happened that Kanye West was also in town, premiering his polarising album The Life of Pablo. It was a bold move for Yeezus to debut an album – note that this isn’t a live show, but essentially a colossal listening party – in front of 20,000 fans in one of America’s most prestigious venues, but it paid off. The show was live-streamed to numerous cinemas across the globe, while it also served as a launch for his Yeezy Season 3 collection. Everybody from Naomi Campbell to Young Thug to 2 Chainz took part in the ‘performance’, and the merchandise lines proved that nobody can create hype quite like Kanye.

Every single release of the Yeezy sneaker

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bav5fJGFUi4

All around the world, it’s the same story: Kanye West’s sneakers continue to sell out as the hottest commodity in fashion circles. Having previously collaborated with Louis Vuitton and Nike, Ye’s current relationship with Adidas has proved fruitful as numerous releases of the 350, 750 and 950 continue to grab resale prices well over quadruple retail. While Kanye currently has everyone wearing drapey garments in neutral tones, it was back in 2012 that he had everyone wearing triple black and leather jeans – and how could we forget shutter shades? Outside of music, he’s been a considerable force in fashion and a driving movement behind the blending of high fashion, streetwear and sportswear.

His interruption of Taylor Swift at the 2009 MTV VMAs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvaakT52RjQ

This is the incident that has defined Kanye’s public perception ever since it went down in 2009, and acted as fuel for his critic’s most damning comments. The narrative between West and Swift since the incident has been tumultuous – while the two were said to be on good terms, West surprised many – including Swift – by rapping that he “made that bitch famous” on his 2016 track ‘Famous’. While West has been known to point out more deserving winners at awards shows, many overlook the fact that he’s done this to himself – giving away his own BET and AWA Awards to Big Boi, UGK and Lil’ Wayne.

His performance of ‘All Day’ at the 2015 Brit Awards

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ABk7TmjnVk

After Rihanna pulled out of her performance at the 2015 BRIT Awards, Kanye West was chosen to replace her – and judging from some of the deadpan faces in the audience, he certainly left an impact. Climbing the stage with an entourage dressed in all black and two flamethrowers, West performed his ferocious single ‘All Day’ with UK emcees including Skepta, Jammer, Novelist, Stormzy and more. Skepta even sampled commentary about the iconic performance on his definitive 2015 single ‘Shutdown’, and we can’t help but think that Yeezy’s co-sign acted as an ominous precursor to the international attention that grime and the UK scene has been receiving as of late.

Announcing his 2020 Presidential campaign

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u9x92nwGf_M

Kanye West created yet another MTV VMAs moment when he walked onstage to accept his Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award, and proceeded yet another rant with more than a handful of quotables. However, he made headlines once more when he concluded by announcing his intentions to run for President in 2020. While nobody really knows whether West was serious or joking, that didn’t stop shirts from being made in honour of his imaginary campaign, while the #Yeezy2020 hashtag also took flight. If Donald Trump can get this close, then we imagine that Kanye has more than a few reforms that the American public could take seriously.

Appearing on the cover of Rolling Stone as Jesus Christ

Religious references and sounds have dominated Kanye West’s career – just look at the hefty gospel influence of The Life of Pablo – but nobody expected him to appear on the cover of Rolling Stone as Jesus Christ, complete with blood and a crown of thorns. The cover appeared in 2006, shortly after he released his pivotal single ‘Jesus Walks’ – and remains as one of Ye’s most iconic moments captured on camera.

His marriage to Kim Kardashian

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WibQR0tQ0P8

Over the years, Kanye West’s musical output has been undeniably influenced by the women in his life – whether it’s former partner Amber Rose or his late mother Donda West – and wife Kim Kardashian is no different. Their marriage arrived like a collision between two pop culture powerhouses, while their children have since inspired some of West’s more heartfelt works like ‘Only One’. Speaking on his relationship with Kim, Kanye said “I can have people saying this is going to damage your credibility as an artist or a designer, and I say I don’t care, I love this woman. When the paparazzi surround you, people know you don’t like paparazzi, and they say, ‘Why would you be with this person?’ I’m being with this person because I love this person, and she’s worth it to me.”