TRUE LOVE

Happy Birthday, Kanye: See Every Single Celebratory Instagram Kim Kardashian Has Ever Posted in Honor of Her Husband

A look at the social media love between a reality star and the rapper.


There is perhaps no greater 21st century love story than Kim Kardashian and Kanye West; it took them nine years since first meeting—and two marriages on Kardashian’s side—to finally get together, but those crazy kids found their way and have been making up for lost time ever since. It’s a love perhaps never more evident than on June 8th, the day on which West was born. Each year, Kardashian takes to her social media platform of choice, Instagram, to post a heartfelt message to her husband. It’s become something of a tradition, one apparently not marred by the fact that West actually doesn’t have an Instagram of his own anymore, and thus, can’t actually see her digital love letter. “Happy birthday, babe! I know you’re not on social media anymore, so you’re not gonna see it anyway—and I’m going to be with you to tell you! But if I don’t post it, then all the stories will start so…I love you so much! Happy birthday!” Kardashian wrote on her app last year, sharing that she is, indeed, in on the joke. Here, a look back at all of the images the social media star has shared on West’s birthday.

Kardashian started the birthday trend in 2013, just a year out from officially becoming Mrs. West, with a collage of the two lovebirds. Most notably, two feature West smiling. Love is real.

The following year, fresh off their wedding extravaganza, Kardashian posted a black-and-white photobooth picture—a Kardashian family staple—of the two kissing from the reception. The caption was earnest and heartfelt: “Happy Birthday to my husband and best friend in the entire world! You have changed my life in more ways than you know! The way you look at life inspires me! I love you so much!!!”

The 2015 festivities began with a picture of West’s birthday cake, a tan rendering of his album logo. Impressive, but not entirely appetizing.

The cake picture was quickly followed by a ‘gram of the duo, which, like the year prior, was taken at their wedding reception. The message also echoed the 2014 version. “Happy Birthday to my best friend in the entire world! You are the most amazing husband & dad! You inspire me every single day! You make all of your dreams reality & it’s fascinating to be by your side & watching it all happen! You have a heart of gold! Have the best birthday ever! #SWISH”

Kardashian also posted a special message from North that year, a childhood photo of West, with the caption, “”Happy Cake Daddy”- North.”

In 2016, Kardashian contemplated the passing of time. “Happy birthday to my best friend! I usually would be scared for us getting older but as each year passes I’m just happy we have more time on this earth together! I love you so much and hope this year brings you so much happiness”

Last year, Kardashian posted a throwback picture (it was a Thursday, after all) of the two out and about in New York City. “Happy Birthday babe I love you so much! You inspire me every day to be a better person! I’m so grateful for you” It ended, aptly, with a heart emoji.

Kanye West’s Style Evolution, from Sneakers and Sunglasses to Tuxedos and Yeezy

The rapper wore a pink argyle sweater and gold jewelry at the 2004 European Music Awards.

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In 2004, Kanye West attended the Billboard Music Awards wearing a patterned sweater, red bomber jacket, and aviator sunglasses.

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Kanye West continued his love of prep in 2004, wearing a light brown suit over a pink sweater.

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In 2006, West looked cool and casual at the 2006 MTV European Music Awards in a grey zip up and grey sneakers.

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In 2007, West channeled nerd chic on the red carpet, wearing a bomber jacket and crew neck sweater to the In Touch 5th Anniversary Party.

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At the Los Angeles premiere of “Smokin’ Aces” in 2007, the rapper once again hit the red carpet wearing sunglasses.

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Kanye West has never been afraid to experiment with his style. At the 2008 American Music Award, the rapper went retro in a bright bomber jacket, printed hat, and jeans.

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In 2008, Kanye West attended the ‘Pineapple Express’ premiere in Los Angeles sporting a bright blue jacket and his go-tos: sneakers and shades.

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At the amfAR’s Inaugural Milan Fashion Week event in 2009, West wore a sleek, all black ensemble, which coordinated with his then girlfriend Amber Rose.

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At the 14th Annual ACE Awards in 2010, West traded in his sneakers for a classic tux.

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In 2011, Kanye West posed with Carine Roitfeld at amfAR’s Cinema Against AIDS Gala during the 64th Annual Cannes Film Festival in a sharp tuxedo.

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Kanye West looked classic in camel-colored coach at the Maison Martin Margiela with H&M global launch event in New York City in 2012.

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At the 2013 Met Gala, Kanye West looked classic, while Kim Kardashian, then pregnant with North West, wore a loud, Givenchy look.

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In 2014, Kim Kardashian and Kanye West both took a more elegant route, wearing coordinating Lanvin.

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Kanye mastered casual formalwear at the LACMA Art + Film Gala, wearing a white shirt, jacket, and leather pants.

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In 2015, Kanye West ditched the tuxedo for a casual grey sweatsuit and his own Yeezy sneakers at the MTV Video Music Awards.

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Kanye West dressed down for a casual outing with his very fashionable daugther North West in 2015.

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In 2016, Kanye West wore an all-white ensemble to the 2016 MTV Video Music Awards in New York City.

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At the 2016 Met Gala, Kim and Kanye took the futuristic theme seriously in custom, coordinating Balmain ensembles.

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In 2016, Kanye and Kim attended the Balmain afterparty at Paris Fashion Week. For the occasion, West wore a patchwork jacket and Kardashian donned a shimmering Balmain dress.

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