For most artists who are discovered behind the mixing boards, making the transfer from producer to MC proves a daunting task. Fortunately for Kanye West, his verbal skills more than rise to the challenge of his consistently superior beats. A sprawling concept record that tackles issues of everyday life with wisecracking humour and unexpected honesty, 'The College Dropout' confirms West's status as one of hip-hop's most refreshing voices. The leadoff single, 'Through the Wire', perfectly exemplifies West's distinct vision. Recorded while his jaws were still wired shut after a near-fatal car accident, West hilariously reflects upon his predicament over a sped-up Chaka Khan sample. Other songs address potentially somber topics-ghetto life ('We Don't Care'), religion ('Jesus Walks'), and family turmoil ('Family Business') - yet somehow retain a truly hopeful spirit. Although 'The College Dropout' features top-notch cameos from Talib Kweli, Common, Mos Def, Freeway, Jay-Z, Ludacris, and Twista, it's clearly West's show.
Track Listing:
1. We Don't Care - Kanye West
2. Graduation Day - Kanye West
3. All Falls Down (Feat. Syleena Johnson) - Kanye West
4. Spaceship (Feat. GLC & Consequence) - Kanye West
5. Jesus Walks - Kanye West
6. Never Let Me Down - Kanye West & Jay-Z
7. Get Em High (Feat. Common & Talib Kweli) - Kanye West
8. The New Workout Plan - Kanye West
9. Through the Wire - Kanye West
1. Slow Jamz (Feat. Jamie Foxx & Twista) - Kanye West
2. Breathe in Breathe Out (Feat. Ludacris) - Kanye West
3. School Spirit - Kanye West
4. Two Words (Feat. Freeway, Harlem Boys Choir & Mos Def) - Kanye West
5. Family Business - Kanye West
6. Last Call - Kanye West
Year of Production: 2004
