18 Kanye West Branding Lessons

Kanye West is the undisputed Don of personal branding and will cement this title with his upcoming performance on "American Idol." The rapperpreneur has parlayed his success in hip-hop into clothing lines, fashion collaborations and a number of lucrative endorsement deals. Kanye West has even become a successful blogger. In every endeavor, West is recognized as a vanguard--an enviable position for any marketer.

Kanye West is confirmed as a performer on Wednesday’s "American Idol" elimination episode, where he’ll stand on the "Idol" stage for the first time. Check out some of Kanye West’s other innovations in personal branding below.