Through the Wire: Lyrics & Illuminations

This is a rare partnership between two geniuses at the top of their crafts — Kanye West, who was named the smartest man in hip-hop by Time magazine, and Bill Plympton, an Academy Award-nominated animator, cartoonist, and illustrator.

Through the Wire is a graphic memoir that illustrates the lyrics of twelve Kanye West songs to tell his story, from his decision to drop out of college to pursue his dreams in music, through his days spent folding chinos at the Gap while struggling at night to make a name as a producer, through the pivotal car accident that eventually set him on the course to stardom and the epiphany of realizing exactly who he had become:

...They say people in your life are like seasons

And anything that happens is for a reason...

Plympton illustrates each of the songs in detail, his vision of Kanye's world. The songs are annotated with explanations of the references in the songs, biographical components that illuminate the lyrics, and their meaning on a deeply personal level.

The result is a one-of-a-kind book that initially grabs you and stays with you forever.

Hip hop superstar and Grammy Award-winning artist West teams up with Oscar-nominated animator Plympton to produce an illustrated collection of more than a dozen song lyrics.

The legions of young men and women who count themselves as Kanye West fans—as well as those who are making graphic books one of the most successful trends in publishing—are going to go bananas for this fun and innovative package. They get lyrics and fabulous art that reflects the style and sensibility that mark Kanye West and contemporary hip-hop.

Through the Wire is a book of compelling lyrics selected from West’s award-winning songs, personal commentary on his inspirational and entertaining themes, and original art from the two-time Oscar Award-nominated animator and graphic artist Bill Plympton who illustrated Kanye’s single “Heard ’Em Say” video.

A collection of lyrics from songs by award-winning rapper Kanye West--illustrated with memorable drawings by renowned graphic artist Bill Plympton.