Kanye West’s father Ray West Biography: Son, Age, Net Worth, Siblings, Parents, Height, Ethnicity, Ex-Wife

Ray West is an American photojournalist and one of the first Black photojournalists at The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, where he captured images of prominent figures such as Maya Angelou and Ronald Reagan.

He was also involved with the Black Panther Party during the 1960s and 1970s.

Beyond his career, he is widely recognized as the father of rapper and record producer Kanye West.

Kanye West is a highly influential American rapper and producer known for his evolving musical style and controversial cultural and political commentary.

After dropping out of college, he began producing for local artists in Chicago before rising to prominence in the hip-hop industry.

Profile

• Full Name: Ray West
• Stage Name: Ray West
• Born: August 28, 1949
• Age: 75 years old
• Birthplace: Tucson, Arizona, United States
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: American photojournalist
• Height: Unknown
• Parent: Mr. and Mrs. West.
• Siblings: Unknown
• Spouse: Donda West (Divorced)
• Children: Kanye West
• Relationship: Divorced
• Net Worth: Unknown

Early Life And Education

Ray West was born in Tucson, Arizona, on August 28, 1949. While details about his parents remain undisclosed, they can be referred to as Mr. and Mrs. West. It is unclear whether he had siblings, as information about his family background is limited.

Specific details regarding West’s educational background are not publicly known. However, his photojournalism and activist career suggest a strong intellectual and creative foundation. West is of African-American ethnicity and practices Christianity.

Career

Ray West is an accomplished photojournalist and one of the first Black photographers at The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. His career emerged during a pivotal time in American history, and his work captured both influential figures and everyday life.

Notable subjects of his photography include Maya Angelou, Ronald Reagan, and Rev. Ralph David Abernathy. However, some of his most impactful images focused on the struggles and resilience of ordinary people, showcasing his commitment to storytelling through visual media.

Beyond his work in journalism, West was an activist and a member of the Black Panther Party during the 1960s and 1970s. His involvement in social justice movements shaped his perspective and later career choices.

After transitioning away from photojournalism, he took on roles such as a medical illustrator and a Christian marriage counsellor. In 2006, with financial backing from his son, Kanye West, he opened The Good Water Store and Café in Lexington Park, Maryland, blending business with philanthropy by using proceeds to support community initiatives.

Ray West is widely recognized as the father of Kanye West, one of the most influential figures in hip-hop. Kanye is known for his innovative musical style and often controversial cultural and political commentary.

After dropping out of college to pursue music, he gained recognition as a producer, contributing to Jay-Z’s The Blueprint (2001) before launching his career as a rapper.

His debut album, The College Dropout (2004), earned critical acclaim, and he later achieved multiple Billboard Hot 100 number-one singles, including Gold Digger (2005), Stronger (2007), E.T. (2011, as a featured artist), and Carnival (2024).

Social Media

Ray West does not have any active social media accounts.

Personal Life

Ray West was married to Donda West, the mother of Kanye West. They welcomed their son on June 8, 1977, but divorced in 1980 when Kanye was three.

Following the separation, Kanye lived primarily with his mother in Chicago and spent summers with his father in Atlanta. West has not remarried, and little is known about any later relationships. He has one child, Kanye West, who remains his only son.

Net Worth

Ray West’s net worth is not publicly known, and unreliable estimates are available. Unlike his son, Kanye West, who has built substantial wealth through music and business ventures, Ray has maintained a more private financial profile, focusing on his photography, activism, and community service work.