Never Gonna Grow Up

From The College Dropout in 2004, to Late Registration in 2005, and finally Graduation in 2007, Kanye West has created waves throughout the hip-hop community. From his unique voice and Grammy-winning talent to his political views, he has yet to disappoint. Although West has grown from album to album, his lyrical flow and college theme have stayed consistent. He continues to present listeners with encouragement, found in popular tracks “Stronger” and “Champion” where West uses motivational lyrics such as “Givin’ up is harder than tryin’.” Furthermore, comparisons between Kanye’s “Stronger” and Jay-Z’s “Oh My God” can be drawn in lyrical composition, as both stress that what “don’t kill me / can only make me stronger.”

Graduation incorporates various guest artists and samples—Daft Punk in “Stronger,” Michael Jackson’s “Pretty Young Thing” in “Good Life.” By now West is known for his collaboration, although one may question whether his solo efforts can achieve that same greatness. Finding a track with original structure and lyrics is nearly impossible on this album.

However, the team effort found on this album may show West’s true creativity and artistic ability. In addition to working with other artists’ material, he is able to continue with a consistent theme and his tone and style of rap is different than many others. Seldom does he use gangster life or vulgarity in his songs. A true low point on this album is “Drunk and Hot Girls.” The song lacks any depth; the title portrays the song exactly. Luckily West picks it back up with the assistance of Dwele on “Flashing Lights.”

Kanye West is a much easier listen than DMX or even Jay-Z. Graduation has received numerous Grammys and respect in the hip-hop world, and Kanye will continue to create distinctive albums—as long as he has someone else to help him out.