Description

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. TRACKLIST 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 15.Lil Jimmy Skit 16.Two Words 17.Through the Wire 18.Family Business 19.Last Call