Say what you will about Kanye West, but there's no denying the Yeezus rapper has some raw rapping talent. This week, footage of a 19-year-old West has circulated around online, and the one minute, 44 second freestyle shows he's had the skills well in his arsenal since the '90s.
Originally posted by Complex, the footage from Aug. 1996 shows an aspiring 19-year-old West rapping at the opening of the Fat Beats record store on 6th Avenue in New York City. Originally based in Chicago, baby 'Ye flew across the country for the performance and showed off his impeccable flow, ability to freestyle and incorporate modern events into a rap.
I mean, he mentions Alanis Morissette, okay?
Now known for his impeccable sense of fashion, the 1996 version of West is slightly less stylish, rocking an oversized, pale yellow polo shirt and short curly hair. But looks aside, he's got the skills on the mic.
Watch the video of Kanye West rapping in 1996 below:
The footage of Kanye West in 1996 was remarkably filmed eight years before Yeezy's first record The College Dropout was released, helping to crack the then-producer into mainstream culture.
West broke away from other rappers by discussing what was real to him, and thanks to singles such as "Through the Wire," "Jesus Walks" and "All Falls Down," he became the household name he is today.
West is reportedly working on his seventh studio album and follow-up to 2013's Yeezus now.
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