Kanye West – The College Dropout

Album Info

Artist: Kanye West

Title: The College Dropout

Year: 2004

Cover Art, via Spotify (Click to View)

Click Anywhere to Close

This album has 0 visitor listen(s)!

You can be the first! Just listen, and then click the button below.

Album Links

Listening Links

Info Links

Suggested Albums

Tracklist

1. Intro (0:19)
2. We Don't Care (3:59)
3. Graduation Day (1:21)
4. All Falls Down (3:43)
5. I'll Fly Away (1:09)
6. Spaceship (5:24)
7. Jesus Walks (3:13)
8. Never Let Me Down (5:24)
9. Get Em High (4:49)
10. Workout Plan (0:46)
11. The New Workout Plan (5:22)
12. Slow Jamz (5:16)
13. Breathe In Breathe Out (4:06)
14. School Spirit Skit 1 (1:18)
15. School Spirit (3:02)
16. School Spirit Skit 2 (0:43)
17. Lil Jimmy Skit (0:53)
18. Two Words (4:26)
19. Through The Wire (3:41)
20. Family Business (4:38)
21. Last Call (12:40)

Review

Kanye West’s debut album, "The College Dropout," dropped on February 10, 2004, and instantly disrupts the reigning gangster narratives of the time. This album isn't just hip hop; it’s a kaleidoscope of diverse and topical lyrics touching on organized religion, family ties, sexuality, materialism, self-awareness, and those gritty personal battles. West’s signature "chipmunk soul" production style—featuring those quirky, sped-up, and pitch-shifted R&B and soul samples—lays down a fresh vibe that’s uniquely his own.

Opening with a skit where a college professor jabs at Kanye to deliver a graduation speech, the album unfolds like a poetic journey. Tracks like "We Don’t Care" bring tongue-in-cheek commentary on drug culture's impact on youth, while "Graduation Day" illuminates with Miri Ben-Ari's violin and John Legend's vocals. "All Falls Down" churns a critique of consumerism, and then there's the gospel-infused, doo-wop tinged "I’ll Fly Away." "Spaceship" mellows it out with a soulful Marvin Gaye sample, throwing shade at the mundanity of working life.

Blending pop hits, vulnerable moments, street anthems, and electrifying humor, the album boasts 21 tracks and collaborations with talents like Syleena Johnson, GLC, Consequence, and John Legend. "Jesus Walks" stands out, shaking up conventional beliefs with West’s unflinching confidence and deep convictions. Altogether, "The College Dropout" is a dynamic debut, showcasing West's innovative sounds and storytelling genius, and marking the start of his legendary path in hip hop. - Draya