The Legacy of Kanye’s College Dropout 20 Years On
The Legacy of Kanye’s College Dropout 20 Years On
The College Dropout turns 20: Discover how Kanye West’s debut album has stood the test of time and influenced a generation.
Discussing Kanye West’s evolution from a revered artist to a controversial figure presents a unique challenge. Balancing the admiration for his early work with the disapproval of his recent behavior and statements requires a nuanced approach. West, known for his groundbreaking debut and innovative music, has also attracted criticism for his outspoken nature and contentious opinions.
West’s music career experienced a notable shift over the years. While his earlier albums, including the highly praised My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy in 2010, showcased his talent, his subsequent releases have not been as well-received. Critics argue that his musical direction downturned after 808s & Heartbreak in 2008, reaching low points with ye and Jesus Is King. This decline in musical quality coincided with West’s increasingly erratic public appearances, such as those on TMZ and in the Oval Office, marked by controversial and often uncomfortable rants.
Celebrating The College Dropout, West’s debut album is complex. Released over twenty years ago, this album was a critical success and a cultural milestone that positioned West as a significant figure in rap music. It bridged the gap between mainstream and underground hip-hop, featuring collaborations with artists from both spheres, such as Jay-Z, Mos Def, and Freeway. Despite skepticism about his rapping abilities, this album made West relatable to a broader audience by addressing universal themes and showcasing his early determination to break into rap as a major artist.
West’s journey from an underappreciated producer to a top-tier rapper and producer is a testament to his ambition and skill. Starting with local Chicago artists in the mid-‘90s, West eventually produced hits for renowned artists such as Jay-Z and Ludacris. His perseverance and ability to overcome doubt about his rapping talent are evident throughout The College Dropout. The album reflects his quest for acceptance and his fight against adversity, highlighted by the hit single “Through the Wire,” which he recorded with a wired-shut jaw after a severe car accident.
One of West’s significant contributions to hip-hop was the revival of soul in mainstream music, a technique showcased on The College Dropout. By incorporating sped-up samples from ‘70s R&B records—a style known as “chipmunk soul”—West influenced the industry to invest in sample-based production at a time when it was becoming financially unfeasible for many.
Ye displayed a nuanced layer of respect and empathy, particularly evident in the singles from his album. With “All Falls Down,” his battle with insecurity and consumerism is palpable, showcasing his quest for acceptance. This song, alongside the Grammy Award-winning “Jesus Walks,” highlights Kanye’s rare moment of humility, celebrating his faith and dedication to walking a moral path.
“Spaceship” stands out on the album for its raw depiction of the struggle between dead-end jobs and the pursuit of dreams. Kanye, GLC, and Consequence voice their frustrations with the monotony of retail work at The GAP versus their ambitions in music. Consequence’s verse, in particular, touches on the humiliation of returning to a 9-to-5 job after tasting success as an emcee.
“The New Workout Plan” offers a glimpse into Kanye’s future as a pioneering beat-maker. With an electronic beat that propels forward, the song, featuring American Israeli hip-hop violinist Miri Ben-Ari, hints at Kanye’s later works like “Stronger” and “Power.” Although not the album’s standout track, it demonstrates Kanye’s evolving sound and experimental approach to music production.
As the album progresses, its latter half shines with creativity and wit. “Slow Jamz,” featuring Jamie Foxx and Twista, despite its novelty feel, is peppered with clever lyrics from Kanye. The album hits its stride in these moments, showcasing Kanye’s unique blend of humor and insight.
“Breathe In, Breathe Out” is another highlight, where Kanye delves into the contradictions of his identity—juxtaposing his scholarly image with his materialistic brags. Through witty verses over samples from Jackie Moore’s “Precious Precious,” Kanye criticizes his lyrical focus on wealth and vanity despite aspiring to rap about more meaningful subjects.
Similarly, “School Spirit” critiques the value of higher education against real-world achievements. Utilizing a sped-up sample of Aretha Franklin’s “Spirit in the Dark,” the track highlights Kanye’s disillusionment with academic institutions, underscored by his clever production. Despite the track’s strength, it’s somewhat overshadowed by the less impactful skits that bookend it. Kanye’s vocal disdain for higher education, compounded by his recent public statements, suggests a personal belief in the limited utility of formal schooling for real-world success.
“Two Words” showcases a remarkable lyrical display with Yasiin Bey and Freeway adding their distinct verses, outshining even the rich production layers Kanye West incorporates, from Miri Ben Air’s strings to the Harlem Boys Choir and samples from Mandrill’s “Peace and Love (Amani Na Mapenzi): Movement IV (Encounter).” The spotlight, however, shines on Yasiin and Freeway’s unique technique of emphasizing two words or syllables per line.
The track “Last Call” wraps up the album, deepening Kanye’s self-confidence, which some might interpret as an oversized ego. Through his lyrics, Kanye articulates the choice between succumbing to doubt or fueling his ambitions with his self-assurance, presenting it as a crucial element for shaping his future. He narrates his strategic moves to alter his fate, emphasizing the power of belief and determination over the cards life deals.
This song is also memorable for its lengthy outro, spanning nearly nine minutes, where Kanye recounts his journey to securing a deal with Roc-A-Fella Records. Starting with his initial production work for Beanie Sigel and progressing through his engagements with key figures like Hip Hop, Dame Dash, and JAY-Z, he shares detailed accounts highlighting the skepticism he faced as a rapper. Yet, his persistence and production talent eventually opened doors, illustrating his transition from a hopeful producer to a recognized hip-hop artist.
Despite Kanye’s significant mark in the music industry, his career trajectory has been anything but smooth. The turning point for many was his interruption of Taylor Swift’s VMA speech in 2009, marking the start of a decline from a respected musician to a figure of controversy. His actions over the years have painted him more as a cautionary tale of fame’s pitfalls, marked by public outbursts and controversial statements.
Recently, Kanye often emerged in the public eye through sporadic and controversial appearances, leading to speculation about his mental well-being and the impact on his professional image. Despite the estrangement from the Kardashian/Jenner family, likely due to concerns over their brand, Kanye’s brief moment of reflection in “I Love Kanye” from The Life of Pablo suggests an awareness of his changed public perception.
Although the expectation for West to return to his roots may be unrealistic, there’s a lingering hope that he can once again create music that resonates on a universal level, moving beyond the self-focused narratives that have dominated his recent work. The hope remains for Kanye to rediscover a connection with his audience, moving away from the spectacle he’s become to a figure whose artistry and personal growth are once again celebrated.