Who Famously Recorded a Hit Song with His Jaw Wired Shut?

Kanye West: The BeginningProducer, musician and fashion designer Kanye West began his lucrative career in the late 90′s with production work on superstar artists like Foxy Brown and Jermaine Dupri’s rap albums. He began working for hip hop mogul Jay-Z’s record label, Rock-A-Fella Records, in 2000; producing and guest starring on the rapper’s critically acclaimed album, “The Blueprint.” West quickly became a coveted producer in the industry, working for the biggest names in hip-hop and a follow up album to “The Blueprint.” With a long list of credentials, West set out to further his career and take a turn in front of the microphone, but had trouble finding a record label that would take him seriously as a voice. He continued to produce music for other artists while seeking his own sound, when tragedy and fate intervened on October 23rd, 2002.

Kanye West’s Accident

Around 3 a.m that night, West left the Los Angeles recording studio where he was producing albums for The Black Eyed Peas, Beanie Sigel, and Peedi Crakk. He was driving a rented Lexus and collided with another car head on, after falling asleep at the wheel. West was treated for his injuries at the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. During reconstructive surgery, West’s broken jaw was wired shut in order to correct its three broken fragments.

Through The Wire

A mere two weeks after his surgery, West recorded his soon-to-be his single, “Through The Wire,” at Record Plant Studios. The song became an underground hit, distributed on West’s unofficial mix tapes, before being officially released in 2003. “Through The Wire” sampled the 1985 single “Through The Fire” by diva Chaka Kan, rumored to be heard by West as he lay in his hospital bed. The single told a heart-wrenching, yet comical story of West’s accident and recovery; referencing everyone from rapper Mace to Civil Rights icon, Emmett Till.

Success Comes From Tragedy

The single spent five weeks at number fifteen on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart, and skyrocketed to number 4 on the Hot Rap Tracks chart. “Through The Wire” was globally recognized, becoming a hit in the majority of Europe and New Zealand. West premiered a music video for the single in November of 2003, which won Video of the Year at 2004′s Source Hip Hop Awards.

The College Dropout

After denying West his own album for many years, Rock-A-Fella Records listened to”Through The Wire” and decided to finally let his voice be heard. In 2004, West released his debut album “The College Dropout” and quickly became a household name. With hit singles like “Jesus Walks,” West became the go-to rapper for guest cameos and smart lyrics. Through his near-fatal accident, West found a fulfilling career.

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