Kanye West's Graduation Review
Easily one of the best hip-hop albums of the year Kanye West does it again with Graduation. With maturity that can be heard in the beats and in the subject matter of his songs the album is what I see as a breath of fresh air in a world full of frisbee quality albums. After putting out the classic College Dropout album in 2004 and then Late Registration followed by releases from his own artists the man has grown up. From the bangin introduction of "Good Morning" to the Jay-Z inspired "Big Brother", Kanye once again proves himself as an artist. Keeping his playful and humorous flow that many people seem to have a problem with (seriously...hip-hop needs a sense of humor) Kanye takes you back to a different time while still moving things forward.
The sonic back drop to Graduation is mixed an eclectic mix of samples from the soulful (Everything I Am) to the more modern ( Stronger). Kanye didn't take on all the production by himself this time around. He had the assistance of the famous Dj Toomp on the lead single "Cant Tell Me Nothing" and the T-pain featured "The Good Life." Instead of those songs sounding like a reach for southern support they become actual collaborations that will have people in New York still supporting the Chi-city champ.
Kanye could of had a classic on his hands if it wasn't for two back to back misstep's the actual reach for southern support and ego flexing "Barry Bonds" and the Mos Def assisted "Drunk and Hot Girls" both these songs take away from Kanye's growth and end up sounding like songs that should not of made it past the idea stage. But where the album stumbles is where it takes a leap for greatness, the amazing "Flashing Lights" which is more than enough reason to buy this album (which you should regardless of the available download). He keeps the steam going with "Homecoming" a dedication to his hometown of Chicago. After Kanye takes you on a musical ride he finishes the album with a guitar and bass heavy dedication to the man who " got me out my momma crib/ then he helped me get my momma a crib." Still affiliated with Roc-a-fella but slowly starting to create a dynasty of his own Kanye is starting to step out of his idol's shadow.
[Everyone please leave Rudy comments and think him for contributing to the blog, I hope this is his first of many contributions. Also if anyone else out there would like to join The Leak Source team please contact me and let me know! - DMS]
[Everyone please leave Rudy comments and think him for contributing to the blog, I hope this is his first of many contributions. Also if anyone else out there would like to join The Leak Source team please contact me and let me know! - DMS]
Flashing lights is AMAZING
Kanye, Talib, Common best albums of the year and Lupe Fiasco coming very soon.