We gave Kanye West 12 pages to show America and the world who he really is. From the gorgeous photography of Jackie Nickerson to the first-person copy, our cover story was curated by the man himself. The result is a portrait of a modern American and perhaps the most important renaissance man of our time.

As we always do in April, we introduce you to our Beautiful People. This year, it's a set of Americans (and one Canadian to mix things up a bit) who are not about traditional beauty -- although, let's face it, they've got that going too. These people are creating art, scenes and movements and helping to make a difference while they're at it.

Elsewhere, we've got Fresh Off the Boat's Eddie Huang and rap heavyweight Jeezy talking racial stereotypes; we've got 2 Chainz taking on legalization and voting rights; we've got Questlove interviewing two of America's most exciting chefs about their plans to revolutionize fast food; and we've got Broad City's Abbi Jacobson and Ilana Glazer teaching us two of the most important words in the American lexicon: "Fuck it." On the last page, Britney Spears reminds us to stop and smell the roses.