The College Dropout - Kanye West
Packs edgy emotional wallop; best for older teens.
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Music details
- Artist(s): Kanye West
- Genre: Rap
- Label: Rock-A-Fella
- Parental Advisory: Yes
- Edited Version: Yes
- Release Date: 2/10/2004
Parents need to know
Parents need to know that this exceptional CD contains every explicit word there is, but you can buy the edited version. Also, Kanye West's lyrics are dismissive about higher education.
Families can talk about racism, sexism, class politics, and staying in school.
Families can talk about racism, sexism, class politics, and staying in school.
Message
Social Behavior:
The "n" word is all over the place, though not on the edited version. But the social message is complex and worthwhile.
Consumerism:
Some brand names mentioned.
Drugs/Alcohol/Tobacco:
Drug references.
Violence
Violent imagery with an anti-violence message.
Sex
There's explicit sexuality.
Language
Very strong language.
Common Sense says
What's the story?
Reviewed by Kathi Kamen Goldmark
There's a lot of explicit music around that's meant to amuse, titillate, and/or offend. But THE COLLEGE DROPOUT, the debut offering from veteran rap producer Kanye West, is a different story. Here's an artist using strong imagery to make an intelligent and emotional statement about his world, with unflinching honesty, cynicism, and humor. This CD is unusual in that the "censored" version is better than the explicit original. The careful editing doesn't dilute the narrative flow of the lyrics; if anything, the messages are more powerful without the distraction of "those" words.
Is it any good?
Exquisite cameo performances by Jay-Z, Common, Mos Def, Twista, and especially the Harlem Boys Choir add to the mix. Buy the edited version, listen with your teens, and talk about everything under the sun. Kanye West delivers songs and skits that are musically interesting and also take on racism, the American educational system, and other contemporary political and social issues. The writing and performances are about as subtle as a sledgehammer, but the intensity works.
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