Book excerpt: In many ways, Kanye West Breaks the mold of the hip-hop superstar. Initially a much sought-after producer of other artists' albums (Jay-Z, Janet Jackson, Alicia Keys, Mobb Deep, Cam'ron, John Legend), West had great difficulty getting a record contract for his own work. His father was a Black Panther-turned photojournalist and born again Christian counselor, and his mother was a university English professor. West was thought to lack the ''street cred'' necessary to be a serious and popular rapper. Yet once given his chance, West electrified the world of hip-hop, releasing two albums in two years, both of which went triple platinum. Outspoken, egotistical, unconventional, inventive, and ingenious, Kanye West is one of the hip-hop world's most fascinating and unpredictable artists.