Kanye West — Graduation
Kanye’s third album “Graduation” is an album that is a shift away from the soulfulness of “The College Dropout” and the orchestration of his sophomore album “Late Registration” to stadium anthems. A classic for sure, however is it underrated for its impact?
In 2007, “Graduation” is Kanye’s third album in four years and was his most experimental to date. It might not be as experimental compared to the albums that followed, for instance his follow up “808s & Heartbreak”. “Graduation’s” production isn’t soulful similar to “The College Dropout”, nor does it consist of orchestration that was heard in “Late Registration”. However, there are still similar sounds and influences from Kanye’s second LP. “Graduation” consists of stadium anthems, to which that can be also said for “Diamonds From Sierra Leone”, a standout single from Kanye’s second album. “Graduation” is a trip into Kanye’s vision for the album, coming off a tour with U2. You feel the sounds of the speakers and see the lights, when hearing the mystic production of “Good Morning” and you gain the sense of triumph and motivation with “Champion”.
“Graduation” was the first album that showcased Kanye’s influence within pop culture, “Stronger” had the whole world buying shutter shades which mirrors Kanye’s influence within the years following “Graduation”. From his impact on fashion to his influence within the future sounds and styles, Kanye dominated Hip-Hop after “Graduation”; his use of sampling Daft Punk was unheard of at the time, mixing Hip-Hop with European Electronic/Dance music. Though “Stronger” and the Chris Martin aided “Homecoming” have become tiresome over the last 15 years, “Can’t Tell Me Nothing” still sounds amazing and new in 2022. It is still one of Kanye’s best production works, using Jeezy’s ad-libs with a slow heavy based instrumental, whilst the excitement of the Grammy award winning, “Good Life” featuring T-Pain, still remains intact.
“Cause my Dior got me more model head, I’m insulted, you should go ‘head, and bow so hard until your knees hit your forehead, and the flow just hit code red.”
From the ever lasting highlights of “Flashing Lights” and the soulful album cut of “The Glory”, there are slept on records from the likes of the melancholy sonics of “Everything I Am” and the lyrical enjoyment of “Barry Bonds” where Kanye and Lil Wayne share braggadocious verses. Both boasting their high end lifestyles and their ease of making great songs. Whilst, “Drunk & Hot Girls” is a humorous ode to the hot yet incredibly drunk girls within clubs.
One of the most unique Hip-Hop records of the 2000s, “Big Brother”, is a song dedicated to Kanye’s idol and friend, Jay-Z. It takes on the highs and lows of their relationship and highlights how Kanye went from being a fan to working with his idol. It was a unique record, at the time Hip-Hop never saw a rapper dedicate a whole song to another rapper.
It could be argued that “Graduation” is Kanye’s best album. Looking back at the album’s impact, “Graduation” changed music. As Kanye was victorious over 50 Cent, as the they battled over who would sell more albums within a week. It was the wake-up call that “Gangsta Rap” was in decline as a commercial phenomenon. “Graduation” helped pave the way for rap to be where it is today. Artists, such as Kid Cudi and Drake were able to gain commercial popularity. Topics such as mental health and being more “emotional” and “vulnerable” wasn’t unusual. Records such as “Big Brother” paved the way for rappers like J. Cole to make “Let Nas Down”, a rapper dedicating a song to another rapper. “Graduation” showed Kanye changing his style and pushing the envelope of what he could do. Kanye’s third album is one of the best albums of it’s time, as it’s a career and genre defining album.