Kanye West began his early production career in the mid-1990s, making beats primarily for burgeoning local artists, eventually developing a style that involved speeding up vocal samples from classic soul records. His first official production credits came at the age of nineteen when he produced eight tracks on Down to Earth, the 1996 debut album of a Chicago rapper named Grav. For a time, West acted as a ghost producer for Deric "D-Dot" Angelettie. Because of his association with D-Dot, West wasn't able to release a solo album, so he formed and became a member and producer of the Go-Getters, a late-1990s Chicago rap group composed of him, GLC, Timmy G, Really Doe, and Arrowstar. His group was managed by John "Monopoly" Johnson, Don Crowley, and Happy Lewis under the management firm Hustle Period. After attending a series of promotional photo shoots and making some radio appearances, The Go-Getters released their first and only studio album World Record Holders in 1999. The album featured other Chicago-based rappers such as Rhymefest, Mikkey Halsted, Miss Criss, and Shayla G. Meanwhile, the production was handled by West, Arrowstar, Boogz, and Brian "All Day" Miller. COUNT 9
QSN1 Who were the beats Kanye made in the 90's originally intended for? ANS1 local artists QSN2 What types of records did Kanye sample in his early career. ANS2 classic soul records QSN3 What music group did Kanye join when he couldn't release his solo album? ANS3 Go-Getters QSN4 In what time period did Kanye begin producing? ANS4 mid-1990s QSN5 When did Kanye West start his production career? ANS5 mid-1990s QSN6 For which artist did Kanye West act as a ghost producer?  ANS6 Deric "D-Dot" Angelettie QSN7 What late 1990s Chicago rap group was Kanye West a member of? ANS7 Go-Getters QSN8 What firm managed Kanye West's rap group?  ANS8 Hustle Period QSN9 What year was the first Go-Getters album released?  ANS9 1999