The College Dropout
Kanye West · 2004
76 min · 21 tracks · contemporary R&B · hip-hop · soul
A groundbreaking fusion of soulful samples, introspective lyrics, and innovative production that redefined hip-hop.
Why this album works
- Best for
- wave-like pacing with peaks introspective reflections on growth skits that break tension
- Context
- Released on February 10, 2004, 'The College Dropout' marked Kanye West's debut album after years as a sought-after producer. At this point, he transitioned from behind the boards to center stage, establishing himself as a visionary artist in hip-hop.
- If you like
- contemporary R&B, hip-hop, soul
The College Dropout is an album by Kanye West, released in 2004. A groundbreaking fusion of soulful samples, introspective lyrics, and innovative production that redefined hip-hop. The album received widespread critical acclaim upon release, praised for its unique sound and lyrical depth, reaching No. 2 on the Billboard 200 chart. It won the Grammy Award for Best Rap Album and significantly influenced the direction of hip-hop in the 2000s, paving the way for more personal and introspective narratives in rap. Here's what makes it worth your time and what to listen to next.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does The College Dropout sound like?
A groundbreaking fusion of soulful samples, introspective lyrics, and innovative production that redefined hip-hop. Rooted in contemporary R&B and hip-hop.
What makes The College Dropout by Kanye West notable?
The album received widespread critical acclaim upon release, praised for its unique sound and lyrical depth, reaching No. 2 on the Billboard 200 chart. It won the Grammy Award for Best Rap Album and significantly influenced the direction of hip-hop in the 2000s, paving the way for more personal and introspective narratives in rap. Released on February 10, 2004, 'The College Dropout' marked Kanye West's debut album after years as a sought-after producer. At this point, he transitioned from behind the boards to center stage, establishing himself as a visionary artist in hip-hop.
Who is The College Dropout for?
The College Dropout works well if you're into wave-like pacing with peaks, introspective reflections on growth and skits that break tension.
How many songs are on The College Dropout?
The College Dropout has 21 tracks, running approximately 76 minutes.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Intro 0:19
- 2 We Don’t Care 4:00
- 3 Graduation Day 1:22
- 4 All Falls Down Standout 3:44
- 5 I’ll Fly Away 1:10
- 6 Spaceship 5:24
- 7 Jesus Walks Standout 3:14
- 8 Never Let Me Down 5:24
- 9 Get ’Em High 4:49
- 10 Workout Plan 0:46
- 11 The New Workout Plan 5:23
- 12 Slow Jamz 5:16
- 13 Breathe In, Breathe Out 4:07
- 14 School Spirit (skit 1) 1:19
- 15 School Spirit 3:02
- 16 School Spirit (skit 2) 0:44
- 17 Lil Jimmy (skit) 0:53
- 18 Two Words 4:26
- 19 Through the Wire Standout 3:41
- 20 Family Business 4:39
- 21 Last Call 12:41
Release Date
February 10, 2004
Artist Origin
United States
Runtime
76 min 23 sec
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