Hardcore Kanye devotees will know that this beats compilation first surfaced four years ago, but as it’s just been uploaded to YouTube again, we’re pleased to flag it up.

Back in 2011, Jensen Karp, who had a deal with Interscope at the turn of the millennium under the moniker Hot Karl, claimed to have unearthed two CDs containing early beats by Kanye West. The former rapper said he was given the CDs in 2001 during his brief time signed to Interscope.

Here’s what Karp, now an art gallery owner, had to say at the time: “I was stumbling through my garage, searching through old storage bins, when I came across some old beat CDs from my days as a signed Interscope rapper,” he explained. “I was shocked to find that two of them, both given to me in ‘01, had the name Kanye West on them. These two CDs, which I believe are the oldest Kanye beats ever released.

“I think this collection of early Kanye beats shows you where he came from, even if it doesn’t necessarily sound like ‘Kanye’ now. He kept at it and became the incredible producer he is today. I remember he even had to leave the studio sessions early, so he could make the last train back to his mom’s house. He’s come a long way, and I’m proud to have been around, even if for just a second at the start.”

Stream the beats from the first CD below – the promised second disc never appeared. [via Crack]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kjnk-ryCk-s