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.
- Number of discs: 2
- Release date: 23/06/2023
- All vinyl new and sealed
Track list
1. Intro
2. We Don't Care
3. Graduation Day
4. All Falls Down
5. I'll Fly Away
6. Spaceship
7. Jesus Walks
8. Never Let Me Down
9. Get Em High
10. Workout Plan
11. The New Workout Plan
12. Slow Jamz
13. Breathe in Breathe Out
14. School Spirit (Skit 1)
15. School Spirit
16. School Spirit (Skit 2)
17. Lil Jimmy Skit
18. Two Words
19. Through the Wire
20. Family Business
21. Last Call