Kanye West Dating History: From High-Profile Romances to Unexpected Pairings

Kanye West has long been a headline magnet—whether it’s for his music, fashion, or ever-controversial public statements. But when it comes to his love life, the spotlight shines just as bright. Over the years, Ye’s dating history has reflected his evolution as an artist and public figure, filled with iconic moments, whirlwind romances, and relationships that often played out in the public eye.

Here’s a look inside Kanye West’s dating timeline—from early flames to his most recent romantic chapters.

1. Sumeke Rainey – The High School Sweetheart

Before the fame, before The College Dropout, Kanye was in a serious relationship with Sumeke Rainey, his high school sweetheart. He even referenced her on his debut album, rapping about giving her father a promise ring. Their relationship eventually ended as his music career began to skyrocket.

2. Alexis Phifer – The Almost Marriage (2002–2008)

Fashion designer Alexis Phifer was one of Kanye’s longest relationships before marriage. The two began dating in the early 2000s and were even engaged in 2006. Their shared love for fashion made them a stylish couple in the public eye. However, by 2008, they called off the engagement amid Kanye’s rising fame and personal struggles, including the death of his mother, Donda West.

3. Brooke Crittendon – A Red Carpet Romance (2005–2006)

During one of his breaks with Alexis, Kanye dated MTV assistant Brooke Crittendon. The pair made red carpet appearances and were seen at several high-profile events together. Their relationship was relatively low-key compared to what would follow.

4. Amber Rose – The Media Storm (2008–2010)

Kanye and model Amber Rose were a firestorm of passion, fashion, and controversy. Their relationship was public, edgy, and heavily documented by tabloids. Rose later claimed that their split was difficult and publicly accused Kanye of mistreatment. Nonetheless, their time together cemented Amber’s place in pop culture and Ye’s reputation for dating bold, unfiltered women.

5. Kim Kardashian – The Power Couple Era (2012–2021)

Kanye’s most iconic and longest relationship came with reality TV star Kim Kardashian. After years of friendship, the two began dating in 2012 and quickly became pop culture’s power couple. They married in 2014 in a lavish Italian ceremony and share four children: North, Saint, Chicago, and Psalm.

Together, they built a brand empire, dominating both entertainment and fashion. However, behind the glamour were struggles, including Kanye’s mental health battles and public controversies. The couple filed for divorce in early 2021, ending a nearly decade-long relationship that defined an era.

6. Irina Shayk – The Euro Summer Fling (2021)

Shortly after his divorce from Kim, Kanye was spotted vacationing in France with Russian supermodel Irina Shayk. Though the pairing caught fans off guard, it fizzled out quickly, reportedly due to distance and differing priorities.

7. Julia Fox – The Artistic Muse (2022)

In early 2022, Ye began dating actress and model Julia Fox. Their relationship was short but loud. Julia embraced the role of Kanye’s muse, making dramatic fashion statements alongside him and coining the phrase “It was a movie.” She later described their time together as intense and performative, saying she felt like she was playing a role in one of his visions.

8. Chaney Jones – The Look-Alike Controversy (2022)

After Julia, Kanye was linked to influencer Chaney Jones, who drew comparisons to Kim Kardashian due to her strikingly similar appearance. The couple shared Instagram moments and exotic vacations, but the relationship ended without much explanation.

9. Bianca Censori – The Mysterious Marriage (2023–Present)

In perhaps his most surprising romantic turn, Kanye reportedly “married” Australian architect and Yeezy employee Bianca Censori in a private, unofficial ceremony in January 2023. The pair have since been seen traveling the world together, often making headlines with their daring fashion and cryptic public appearances. While there’s no confirmed legal marriage certificate, their relationship appears committed—and highly unconventional.

A Romantic Legacy Defined by Transformation

Kanye West’s dating history mirrors his life: bold, unpredictable, and always on full display. From industry insiders to headline-grabbing muses, each relationship has marked a distinct chapter in his journey. Whether loved, criticized, or questioned, Ye’s romances remain a staple in his ever-evolving public narrative.

In typical Kanye fashion, expect the unexpected—because when it comes to his love life, the next headline is always just one heartbeat away.