 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Late Registration
- By Kanye West
- Genre: Hip-hop
Common Sense Media says
Social themes explored in this edited CD.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
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.
What's the story?
Kanye West loves to put down higher education, yet both his debut album and this 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. 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").
Is it any good?
At least Kanye West is talking about something other than money, women, and living the life of a famous rapper, even if some of the lyrics are simplistic and a bit clumsy. 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.
What families can talk about
Families can 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.
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AGE
A
I am so glad there is at least one rapper out there who talks about things other than jewelery, women, etc.. I allow my kids to listen to the edited version of this over songs by 50 Cent or Eminem because of what he has to say about important issues.
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AGE
Kayne West's CD is amazing and is probally the best in the rap game.
Kayne West delivers so many important messages in this great CD but warning this Cd is not for younger kids at all.
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Kid, 12 years old
September 1, 2009
AGE
i love kanye wests cds they are awesome but some of them have a few swear words
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April 9, 2008
AGE
flowtastic
Kanye has done it again. He intergrates the soulful tunes (Heard em say, touch the sky) with some of club poppin, show stoppin joints (Gold Digger, Diamonds). But I love how 'Ye raps about political and social issues within the context of every song. Great beats, lyrics, and overall production from the college dropout yet again.
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AGE
Good Messages, Fine for kids
This CD does contain some bad language, but he talks about more than just sex and fame, he talks about real problems he or other people have faced. This album is called "Late Registration" Because he is going back to finish college (even though he is already a succesful rapper) his new album (graduation) is celebrating his graduation and spreads good messages too. Kanye is great!!!!
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AGE
An important Hip Hop album for teens
I was blown away by Kanye West's sophomore album, "Late Registration." Instead of promoting the usual product placement and bling bling that saturates Hip Hop, West confronts these issues head-on. His lyrics serve as a wake up call to African Americans to quit obsessing over material goods. In “Diamonds…†he addresses the topic of children enslaved in Sierra Leone, who are forced to mine the very diamonds that artists flaunt as signs of status in the Hip Hop community. “Late Registration†is truly one of the most important albums of this year and is worthy of critical discussion with your kids.
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AGE
pretty good
it was just okay. The best song on it was drive slow feat. Paul Wall. The songs weren't that good they were just okay. none of them were catchy except for drive slow and gold digger.
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| Artist: | Kanye West |
| Release date: | August 30, 2005 |
| Label: | Roc-A-Fella |
| Genre: | Hip-hop |
| Parental advisory: | Yes |
| Edited version available: | Yes |
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