Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Misty Copeland, and Jorge Ramos also landed a coveted place on the annual list, with all five getting their own TIME magazine covers.
“Kanye West would be the first person to tell you he belongs on this list,” an honorary essay about the rapper, written by entrepreneur Elon Musk, reads. “The dude doesn’t believe in false modesty, and he shouldn’t. Kanye’s belief in himself and his incredible tenacity - he performed his first single with his jaw wired shut - got him to where he is today.
“And he fought for his place in the cultural pantheon with a purpose.”
Other prominent figures to write odes to placewinners include Taylor Swift for Ina Garten, Jill Abramson for Emma Watson, Jamie Lee Curtis for Marie Kondon, and Hillary Clinton for Elizabeth Warren.
Kanye West's greatest self comparisons
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The issue goes on sale on Friday 17 April.
It follows the announcement of the vote for the TIME 100 readers poll, which was topped by Vladimir Putin.
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