Kanye West turns 33 years old today. Happy birthday, man!

The acclaimed rapper is best known for the following things:

• A uniquely evolving hip-hop style and lyrical mastery unmatched by other artists in his genre, winning widespread praise from critics and fans alike
• Being an egomaniac hothead capable of flying off the handle at any moment, a pattern culminating in his hijacking Taylor Swift at the MTV VMAs
• Pounding the crap out of the CAPS LOCK key
• Dating Alexis Phifer and Amber Rose

Through it all, Kanye's always been a unique personality and performer - one whose next outrageous comments and amazing beats are always eagerly awaited.

West is and hopefully will continue to be one of our favorite entertainers both on and off the hip-hop stage. As a birthday tribute, click to enlarge more photos ...