United Kingdom, April 13 -- Kanye West has seen the value of his early artwork surge to an estimated $3.1 million, despite ongoing controversy surrounding his public statements.

The 48-year-old rapper created the drawings and paintings as a teenager while studying at Polaris School in Chicago, and they were first brought to wider attention when they appeared on Antiques Roadshow in 2021.

At the time, the works were valued between $16,000 and $23,000.

They were later acquired by Washington DC-based entrepreneur and collector Vinoda Basnayake, whose purchase price remains undisclosed due to a non-disclosure agreement.

Vinoda has now claimed the works are worth $3.1 million after having them reappraised under the Uniform Standards of Pro...