Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that this rapper employs explicit language and a visceral edge that might be uncomfortable for some parents. But, Kanye West is an artist with something important to say, and he says it very very well. And, this album provides a rare example of an edited CD being at least as good as the explicit version.
Families might want to talk about the very real socio-political issues that Kanye West has the courage to confront, and the difference between his chosen subject matter and that of artists who write songs about nothing more than money, violence, and fame.
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Kathi Kamen Goldmark
Kanye West loves to put down higher education, yet both his debut album and the new follow-up, LATE REGISTRATION, contain cover and insert art paying homage to the trappings of Academia – could there be some unresolved issues here? Whatever the artist's feelings about his own academic career, he's moved beyond schoolboy concerns to confront serious and important social and political issues on this, his impressive sophomore effort.
West shows real guts as he creates songs about inadequate health care ("Roses"), the weakening of political activism in the African American community as a result of drug use ("Crack Music"), and the relationship between the jewelry industry and Sierra Leone's civil war ("Diamonds"), even if some of the lyrics are simplistic and a bit clumsy. At least Kanye West is talking about something other than money, women, and living the life of a famous rapper. Exquisite production (in collaboration with Jon Brion) helps bring out the best in these songs, and a long list of guest cameos features the talents of Adam Levine of Maroon 5, Lupe Fiasco, Jamie Foxx channeling Ray Charles, Paul Wall & GLC, Common, Game, Brandy, Jay-Z, Nas & Really Doe, Consequence & Cam'Ron.
Though he employs explicit language and a visceral edge that might be uncomfortable for some parents, Kanye West is an artist with something important to say, and he says it very very well.
Rate It!
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Sexual ContentSome sexy stuff, but not overwhelmingly explicit. |
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ViolenceSome violent images |
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LanguageStrong language. |
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Message |
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Social BehaviorNot afraid to confront some interesting social and political issues. |
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CommercialismAds for merchandise in the CD booklet. |
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Drug/Alcohol/TobaccoSeveral references to drugs along with anti-drug messages. |
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