Puff Daddy
In interviews, West frequently cites Puff Daddy as one of his biggest influences. Given their shared career trajectories (beginning as producers, then becoming rappers and fashion designers), the two share a creative spirit as well as a taste for floor-length furs, diamonds, and clothing fresh from the runway.
“See, that’s a little Don Juan game
All across your chest like Sean John name” — “Gettin’ It In”
AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS - MAY 28: Lauryn Hill performs live on stage in Amsterdam, Netherlands on May 28 1999 (photo by Frans Schellekens/Redferns)Photo: Getty Images
Lauryn Hill
The mellow, socially conscious Lauryn Hill might seem worlds away from West’s brash persona, but he has cited her as a source of inspiration both for her groundbreaking album The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill and her Afrocentric personal style.
“Lauryn Hill said her heart was in Zion
I wish her heart still was in rhymin’
’Cause who the kids gonna listen to? Huh?”— “Champion”
LAS VEGAS, NV - NOVEMBER 21: Rapper Jay-Z and President of Roc Nation Sports Juan Perez attend Roc Nation Sports, Golden Boy Promotions, Miguel Cotto Promotions And Canelo Promotions Present Miguel Cotto vs. Canelo Alvarez At The Mandalay Bay Events Center Live On HBO Pay-Per-View at the Mandalay Bay Events Center on November 21, 2015 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Roc Nation Sports)Photo: Getty Images
