Kanye West
The College Dropout 2LP

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.

NEW / Released in 2016 / Reissue

Tracklist:

A1 We Don't Care

A2 Graduation Day

A3 All Falls Down

A4 Spaceship

A5 Jesus Walks

B1 Never Let Me Down

B2 Get Em High

B3 The New Workout Plan

B4 Through The Wire

C1 Slow Jamz

C2 Breathe In Breathe Out

C3 School Spirit

C4 Two Words

D1 Family Business

D2 Last Call