Graduation (by Kanye West, Hip-hop)

common sense media says

Insightful, fairly clean, and never ever boring.

parents & educators say

30% say there are positive messages
30% say language is an issue

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that Kanye West has done it again. Yes, there are the usual four-letter words here, but there's also some brilliant songwriting with subtle "stay in school" and "never give up" messages, and hip-hop that samples vintage Steely Dan (gotta be a first!).

Positive messages: Mostly thoughtful, self-revealing stuff about the challenges of becoming a man in a complex world, including some words of wisdom: "If you admire somebody you should go ahead and tell um/People never get the flowers while they could still smell um," "For me givin' up's way harder than tryin'," and "You graduate when you make it up outta the streets."

Violence: Some visceral lyrics about violence, mostly expressing an anti-violent message, as in "Just last year Chicago had over 600 caskets/Man, killin's some wack s--t."

Sex: More flirty and funny than explicit, especially on the punchline of "Drunk and Hot Girls" ("I thought I'd be with you for only one night/Now I'm with this girl for the rest of my life").

Language: Fondness for the "F" and "S" words, but not nearly as tediously as on some other hip-hip CDs. The "N" word is used a few times.

Consumerism: Clothing and car brands are mentioned; CD package contains ads for ringtones.

Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not the biggest deal here: The occasional quick reference to drinking.

Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

What to talk about

Talk to your kids

Families can talk about how Kanye West doesn't have to rely on shock value to put out popular -- and talented -- albums. What takes the place of the racist and sexist lyrics found in so many other rap CDs? Families can also talk about the apparent obsession with school, whether it be dropping out or graduating. What do you think is the real story here? What does it take to see school through to graduation? Why is it important?

What's the story?

Fine performances, exquisite production, and incredibly diverse musical influences make Kanye West's GRADUATION a standout CD. The inspired songwriting includes subtle "stay in school" and "never give up" messages. One song that shines, "Champion," uses a sample of Steely Dan's "Kid Charlemagne" as a recurring theme in between lyrics about a dad sacrificing for his kids "like Will Smith and his son in the movie/I ain't talkin' 'bout the rich ones." Other high points are the single "Stronger," with Daft Punk and Edwin Birdsong, and an inspired collaboration with Chris Martin of Coldplay on "Homecoming."

Is it any good?

Applying imagination and witty intelligence to tracks that make strong but subtle use of guest performers (T-Pain, Lil' Wayne, Mos Def, Dwele, DJ Premire), this artist refuses to be limited by the conventions of his genre.

Music themes & details

Music Details

Released on: September 11, 2007
Label: Roc-A-Fella
Genre: Hip-hop
Parental advisory: Yes
Edited version available: Yes

This review was written by Kathi Kamen Goldmark

Review It

What parents & educators say

Based on 10 parent & educator reviews:

30% say there are positive messages
30% say language is an issue

Read the reviews

Most useful reviews by all members

dabomb
kid, 13 years old

loveit!

What other families should know

Music Details

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Graduation (by Kanye West, Hip-hop)

common sense media says

parents & educators say

What parents need to know

More on Graduation

What to talk about

Talk to your kids

What's the story?

What's the story?

Is it any good?

Is it any good?

Music themes & details

Music Details

Review It

Review Graduation

What parents & educators say

Most useful reviews by all members

for tweens and older

Best Album

great album

he mad it

Buy the edited version

I Love Kanye! Just the language...

Good

???????

perfect album is still profane and racey

This Album Is Awesome

Good album

best album ever

10+

Good stuff

More reviews ...

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