What did Kanye West do before he became a rapper?

Before becoming a successful rapper, Kanye West worked as a music producer. He gained initial prominence for his production work on Jay-Z's albums, including "The Blueprint" in 2001 and "The Black Album" in 2003. West's contributions and innovative beats on these albums drew recognition and solidified his skills as a producer. He worked with various artists and established himself within the music industry before releasing his own acclaimed albums, such as "The College Dropout" in 2004 and subsequent successful projects that cemented his career as a renowned rapper, producer, and creative visionary.