Detailed item info Album FeaturesUPC:602498617410Artist:Kanye WestFormat:VinylRelease Year:2004Record Label:Def Jam (USA)Genre:East Coast Rap, R&BNumber Of Discs:2 Discs
DetailsContributing Artists:Common, Harlem Boys Choir, Jamie Foxx, Jay-Z, Luacris, Ludacris, Mos Def, Syleena Johnson, Talib Kweli, TwistaDistributor:Universal DistributionRecording Type:StudioRecording Mode:StereoSPAR Code:DDD
Album Notes
Personnel: Kanye West, CLC, Consequence, Jay-Z, J. Ivy, Talib Kweli, Twista, Ludacris, Mos Def, Freeway (rap vocals); Jamie Foxx (spoken vocals); The Harlem Boys Choir, Syleena Johnson (background vocals).
Producers: Kanye West, Brian Miller, Miri Ben-Ari.
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 humor 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.

Editorial Reviews
Ranked #12 in Uncut's Best New Albums of 2004 - [H]e leavens the swagger and bling of hip hop with lyrics that are wry, witty and aware.
Uncut 

4 stars out of 5 - West's rhymes are wry, witty, warm and unswervingly self-aware.
Uncut (05/01/2004)

4 stars out of 5 - The numerous guests never out-shine their host's vocals, meaning this is one drop-out graduating near the top of his class.
Mojo 

[H]is surprising debut disc is the most impressive hip-hop CD of the young year....[T]he Chicago native shuns hip-hop's tired SCARFACE iconography for a broad topicality... - Rating: A-
Entertainment Weekly (02/13/2004)

Ranked #1 in Spin's 40 Best Albums of the Year - He is witty, provocative, and intensely devoted...
Spin 

Included in Rolling Stone's Top 50 Records Of 2004 - [T]he red-hot producer delivered a solo debut that partied all over its contradictions...
Rolling Stone 

3.5 stars out of 5 - West has something to prove on DROPOUT....His ace in the hole is his cozy sound - dusty soul samples, gospel hymns, drums that pop as if hit for the very first time.
Rolling Stone (03/04/2004)

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