Review
Kanye West's *The College Dropout* is an undeniable classic that redefined hip-hop in the early 2000s. Bursting with soulful samples, introspective lyrics, and sharp social commentary, the album strikes a perfect balance between vulnerability and confidence. Tracks like "Jesus Walks" and "All Falls Down" showcase Kanye's ability to tackle heavy themes like faith, self-doubt, and systemic inequality, while songs like "Slow Jamz" and "Through the Wire" highlight his charm and ingenuity. West's production is as much a star as his rhymes, steeped in gospel, soul, and innovative beats that remain timeless. This debut not only announced Kanye as a musical force but also changed the trajectory of mainstream rap, blending honesty with artistry in a way few had done before.
Info
"The College Dropout" is the debut studio album by American rapper and producer Kanye West. It was released on February 10, 2004, in both the United States and the United Kingdom. The album achieved critical acclaim and commercial success, reaching number 2 on the US Billboard 200 chart and peaking at number 12 on the UK Albums Chart. It was released by Roc-A-Fella Records and Def Jam Recordings. The album was recorded across multiple locations, including Record Plant in Los Angeles, The Hit Factory in New York City, and other studios. Kanye West served as the primary producer, crafting the album's signature sound with a mix of soulful samples, intricate beats, and introspective lyrics. The production also featured contributions from various collaborators, including Evidence and Brian "All Day" Miller. "The College Dropout" remains a landmark project in hip-hop, marking the beginning of Kanye West's storied career in music.
Tracklisting
- Intro
- We Don't Care
- Graduation Day
- All Falls Down
- I'll Fly Away
- Spaceship
- Jesus Walks
- Never Let Me Down
- Get Em High
- Workout Plan
- The New Workout Plan
- Slow Jamz
- Breathe In Breathe Out
- School Spirit Skit 1
- School Spirit
- School Spirit Skit 2
- Lil Jimmy Skit
- Two Words
- Through The Wire
- Family Business