College Dropout
by Kanye West
User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 1443 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,285 out of 1443
  2. Mixed: 23 out of 1443
  3. Negative: 135 out of 1443

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  1. twan/Gunn
    Mar 24, 2004
    10
    College dropout is by far the greatest hip-hop album this year..he lyrics are sick they the truth.Hes bringin a new style to the hip hop society,im tired of hearin the same shit all the time like 50 does! Wow you got shot nine times congrats... kids go buy this album its worth 20$ of ur drug money as for hov you should have neva left the game cause now kanye takin ur place keep it up roc College dropout is by far the greatest hip-hop album this year..he lyrics are sick they the truth.Hes bringin a new style to the hip hop society,im tired of hearin the same shit all the time like 50 does! Wow you got shot nine times congrats... kids go buy this album its worth 20$ of ur drug money as for hov you should have neva left the game cause now kanye takin ur place keep it up roc a fella you the best label out there Gunn K.T.Q.… Expand
  2. cassandraj
    Mar 2, 2004
    10
    This cd was tight. i relly lik jay-zs part in da cd. if you dont like dis you sum hataz
  3. lil'aLbert
    Mar 5, 2004
    10
    This is a GREAT ALBUM, got the ADVANCED VERSION from the net and I still bought the RETAIL VERSION to SUPPORT this great artist as to labad's comment dont like it? then dont buy it... hater. 10 stars from me! this ALBUM is a HIT!
  4. brandonh
    Apr 30, 2004
    10
    album is much deeper than just any average album
  5. [Anonymous]
    Apr 7, 2004
    10
    AMAZING
  6. vefhfbdvdv
    May 13, 2004
    10
    My Husband has the best album EVERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!!!
  7. kjRobinson
    May 10, 2004
    9
    lauren hill should of been on that all falls down. that version is hot! but all in all k. west is a genius, but of course he would be, look who he's rolling with. it's the ROC in the building
  8. ss
    May 9, 2004
    10
    One of the best rap albums ever to be released.
  9. DanC
    Jun 12, 2004
    10
    This is the best CD of 2004 so far!
  10. BenM
    Jun 18, 2004
    9
    It is excellent. Kanye rules Through the wire n slow jamz are amazing
  11. ritas
    Jun 6, 2004
    10
    It has songs on it that I can listen to with my mother and my 9 year old sister. Some of the songs aren't for everybody but I love the cd. I listen to it everynight before I go to bed and in the morning before I leave home. It is just awesome I haven't gotten tired of it yet.
  12. Katie-laura
    Aug 17, 2004
    10
    Family Business and school spirit the two best song on this album yet the only one's mentioned r jesus walks and the other 1's people should b given a chance to hear these they r great oh and kayne west is fit
  13. ChristinaT
    Sep 22, 2004
    10
    I love all the songs on this cd!!!!!!!!
  14. RachaelR
    Sep 20, 2004
    10
    I think Kanye is a musical genious.He has something to say that is actually meaningful, unlike other rappers who just want to talk about how much they have or how much they can get. I couldnt agree more than i do now on well Kanye is doing as an artist,role model,and man.If hes there somewhere .... Hello from NY to you Kanye. Rachael R.
  15. PeterO
    Jan 13, 2005
    10
    Being the best hiphop album since Beastie Boys' Hello Nasty, College Droput gave me renewed faith in a genre beset by soulless "bling bling" fakers. A must buy if I ever heard one!
  16. dom.
    Jan 22, 2005
    10
    this is an awesome album! it's good to see someone supporting the Man above!
  17. GregP
    Jan 20, 2005
    10
    the best
  18. ChrisB
    Feb 13, 2005
    10
    Jesus Walks is my anthem 'nuff said -Chris
  19. Max
    Feb 22, 2005
    10
    Killin y'all n****z on that lyrical s**t Mayonnaise colored Benz, I push Miracle Whips
  20. Figz
    May 7, 2005
    9
    This rap c.d. is so fuckin diff... how can it not get a good mark? Every song is awesome either its by lyrical beats or themes its all good.
  21. PepaS
    Jan 10, 2006
    9
    This cd was really nice one of the best of 2004
  22. ryanb
    Nov 10, 2004
    10
    I hope this brings a certain change in hip hop,black music has had its ganster stage. Its goin back to a soul full tune, and a blues style beat, and singin about things that can change in life, positive as well as the the negatives. And the positives are not just 'bling' and rollin on 21's which frankly bore the life outta me, who wants to sing about gold and chrome? Well i I hope this brings a certain change in hip hop,black music has had its ganster stage. Its goin back to a soul full tune, and a blues style beat, and singin about things that can change in life, positive as well as the the negatives. And the positives are not just 'bling' and rollin on 21's which frankly bore the life outta me, who wants to sing about gold and chrome? Well i cant relate to it as a listener. … Expand
  23. BrianaS
    Nov 10, 2004
    10
    Kanye West's College Dropout album displayed real life struggles with the mantality of reaching out to the youth. He reflects on the difficulties, yet also, the love passion , and thanks for the life he has been given.
  24. GordonS
    Oct 17, 2004
    10
    Incredible work. Kanye West is not one of the top rappers around, but he delivers an amazing message and knows how to make beats fit his style.
  25. johnB
    Oct 4, 2004
    10
    Best cd i've ever listened to
  26. oscars
    Feb 12, 2004
    9
    this Cd is the freshest look on hip hop since eminem came into the game. kanye delivers the beats and the rhymes to be recognized as one of the top names in hip hop today
  27. KayneWestJr
    Feb 12, 2004
    10
    AMAZING I love this album the best album of 2004 already-fact!! Without a shadow of a doubt, its a classick. The new kid is on the block and he's shining dude he's shining!!!!---Cop dis disc-no regrets. KW
  28. Justin
    Feb 13, 2004
    10
    This is a great album- from the beginning to end Kanye mixes great beats with even better rhymes. Although very much mainstream it has a different feel to the music and thats what makes it great.
  29. MARKH
    Feb 14, 2004
    10
    NICE
  30. jeremyb
    Feb 15, 2004
    10
    best hip hop cd of the year.
  31. davidu
    Feb 15, 2004
    9
    This album is totally different than what hip-hop is right now.Kanye West is talking about things he wants to talk about and not neccasarily what people think theyre going to hear. He shows he can not only produce but drop ill lyrics also.
  32. MarcusW
    Feb 15, 2004
    9
    This CD is fantastic, it just has one glitch. He left out some of his better songs from the mixtape off this CD. Like the Good, Bad the Ugly and Drop Dead Gorgeous
  33. DennisL
    Feb 16, 2004
    10
    ...Im just trying not to dropout...but he is speaking the truth
  34. ChyvaunF
    Feb 18, 2004
    10
    This is an amazing CD. Kanye is a genius.
  35. IslamM
    Feb 18, 2004
    10
    cd is straight fire
  36. JordanH
    Mar 22, 2004
    10
    Its HOT
  37. NseE
    Mar 28, 2004
    10
    This is simply an amazing cd. Kanye has a wild sense of humour, as well as a deep, spiritual side, which comes off on tunes like ?Jesus Walks? and the mind blowing ?Never let me down?, which features Jay Z. ?Spaceship is a tender lilting number of escaping from the cares of life, we?ve all been there. ?Slow jamz? and Through the wire? feature Kanye?s signature style of helium influenced This is simply an amazing cd. Kanye has a wild sense of humour, as well as a deep, spiritual side, which comes off on tunes like ?Jesus Walks? and the mind blowing ?Never let me down?, which features Jay Z. ?Spaceship is a tender lilting number of escaping from the cares of life, we?ve all been there. ?Slow jamz? and Through the wire? feature Kanye?s signature style of helium influenced sped up vocals, set to a great groove, and great 80s samples. Other standouts from this dazzling debut are ?Two words?, ?The new workout plan? with it?s disco outro (and hilarious tips on how to get in shape for your man, complete with testimonies of satisfied females) and the 12 minute plus tale of Kanye?s journey to a record deal, set to a gentle groove, interspersed with sax, delicate keyboard tinklings, and a killer hook. Awesome! … Expand
  38. sharinaw
    Mar 4, 2004
    10
    ONE OF THE BESTS!
  39. MauricioV
    Mar 7, 2004
    10
    this Cd is freaking tight, i dont get tired of listen to it, and is one of them albums u can liten all the way through, u dont have to skip songs or anything cuz all them songs are hot, album is THE hotest in 2004
  40. DylanV.E.
    Mar 9, 2004
    10
    This is a great album, I'm white and usually stick to 60's Rock, but every song on this Album kicks ass. Atleast borrow it from someone, You must hear this Album.
  41. ThaGMannn
    Apr 4, 2004
    10
    i was sold when i first heard "all falls down" on the radio. "through the wire" was iight but "all falls down" was lyrically beautiful. From then i knew that the whole album had to be like it....and basically it was... Let's start from the beginning.....the intros were hilarious. well.. now that i think about it....i better start w/ the cons of the album cuz the pros will take me all i was sold when i first heard "all falls down" on the radio. "through the wire" was iight but "all falls down" was lyrically beautiful. From then i knew that the whole album had to be like it....and basically it was... Let's start from the beginning.....the intros were hilarious. well.. now that i think about it....i better start w/ the cons of the album cuz the pros will take me all day.... 1)get em high -- kanye's part in this song is pretty good, and so is the first have of talib's....but after that the song goes down...WAY down. Common really SUCKED in this song--the lyrics don't really make any sense and it makes him song really bad....same with talib but not as bad. 2)some ppl seemed not to like the new workout plan....i figure that if u have a good sense of humor then u'll love this song cuz i do. true this song does seem kinda outta place...but then again where else would it have gone? 3)one thing that got on my nerves in "school spirit" and "through the wire" was that they were edited! now there's just somethin w/ me and edited songs they just get on my f**kin nerves!!! (u know what i'm sayin!?) 4) through the wire -- funny the first single of this album was one of the worse songs of the album. first it was kinda edited, and second it sounded like they did nothing to the song...just played the same video version. the quality even sounded like it was recored from a television rather than a recording studio...that was just a little thing that kinda pissed me off (as u can see i pay too much attention to little things) 5) it just kinda felt like there were too many interludes and skits....although there kinda wasn't...it just feels like it (7/21 songs were skits/interludes if that gives u a better idea) 6) personally...if i had only heard jesus walks from kanye....i wouldn't have signed him either :-) funny when i'm reading over these cons they dont' even sound all that bad...and really they arent'...i just pay way too much attention to detail. with the exception of those cons this album was fantastic. kanye is lyrically brilliant and he puts a lot of thought and feeling into what he says. One thing that i must mention out of the general (i'm sorry that this review is somewhat general than others i've done....i mean i just can't explain really how good some of these aspects r) is the last two songs and the outro. This was the best part of the cd and i'd have to say the one of the (if not THE) best endings of a cd that i've ever heard. Family business is the best song on the cd that is just heart touching and awesome (yes i said awesome) song. after that "last call" is a nice outro song where he flos to a hot beat and the choirs in both songs r great and 8+min outro is very nice to listen to...and i've found myself listenin to it a lot more than just once. in short (lol kinda funny after writing all this), the college dropout is nearest to perfect that u'll hear for this whole year. the fact that i gave this a 10 doesn't mean that this album was perfect...but this album has sentimental value that exceeds its lyrics, beats, and production.… Expand
  42. jayt
    May 11, 2004
    10
    Just deeeeeeeeerty.
  43. V
    May 10, 2004
    10
    from his style to his music, all original
  44. rogers
    May 18, 2004
    9
    This cd is almost perfect with songs that are simlply deeper than the regular hip hop album some of the songs are gritty and need some polishing like the song with Common, common just dont do it for the song all in all i think its one of the hottest things made not as good as maybe jayz's blueprint or reasonable doubt or maybe biggie's ready to die but give him a chance he is hot
  45. samlast
    Jun 28, 2004
    10
    its alllllllll good!
  46. mikec
    Jul 17, 2004
    9
    awesome
  47. deedeethegreat
    Jul 6, 2004
    10
    KANYE WEST IS THE CRAZIEST, FUNNIEST, DOPEST and the most CHEERFUl RAPPER EVER... COLLEGE DROPOUT is the best album of 2004..woRDD
  48. PaulS
    Sep 18, 2004
    9
    Now I usually like the rock music. Actually no; I usually ONLY like the rock music. But this album is so good! I heard Jesus walks on TV and absolutly loved it. No more rappers 'talking' about cars and 'bootys'. This has made me have a new found respect for hip-hop music!
  49. JoshE
    Sep 21, 2004
    10
    This album was the BOMB!
  50. ThomasD
    Dec 25, 2005
    9
    Whether you agree with Kanye's political views or not, you have to agree that he can articulate his points very well and sell them to the targeted audience even better. His lyrics along with his new spin on hip hop have brought him to the top of the industry for a good reason. He is uniquely fantastic.
  51. SteveG
    Feb 15, 2005
    10
    simply amazing. covers an amazing variety of subjects with fresh beats and rhymes. worth listening to simply to justify dropping out of college. one of the only albums i've listened to lately with an actual thesis that is proven.
  52. Mikkel
    Feb 19, 2005
    9
    genious!!!
  53. jamesb
    May 1, 2005
    10
    i think it was the coldest cd of the year
  54. matta
    May 27, 2005
    8
    There is alot of filler but even with it there are still 14 or so legitimate(and mostly good)hip-hop tracks. Hands down, one of the best rap albums of the year.
  55. J.M.Sarabia
    May 28, 2005
    9
    Kanye West gives you something different from ordinary rap/ hip hop. He has a perfect balance of songs. From songs Spaceship to Jesus Walks to Slow Jamz, he gives different flavors of music. There were times when I thought there was room for improvement, lyrically on a few songs. Kaywe West gives incredible production as well. Technically I'm giving the album 9.5. This album leaves Kanye West gives you something different from ordinary rap/ hip hop. He has a perfect balance of songs. From songs Spaceship to Jesus Walks to Slow Jamz, he gives different flavors of music. There were times when I thought there was room for improvement, lyrically on a few songs. Kaywe West gives incredible production as well. Technically I'm giving the album 9.5. This album leaves you urging for more Kanye. 2.We Don't Care 8/10 4.All Falls Down 9.5/10 6.Spaceship 10/10 7.Jesus Walks 10/10 8.Never Let Me Down 9.5/10 9.Get Em High 7.5/10 11.The New Workout Plan 10/10 12.Slow Jamz 10/10 13.Breathe in Breathe Out 7/10 15.School Spirit 9.5/10 18.Two Words 10/10 19.Through the Wire 9.5/10 20.Family Business 10/10 21.Last Call 10/10… Expand
  56. aliciac
    Aug 19, 2005
    9
    very good!! only b chance i got the album
  57. AaronCo
    Jan 17, 2006
    10
    One of the best albums ever made! Kanye is sick!
  58. LeanneS
    Apr 26, 2006
    10
    this was an amazing cd, it expressed itself with a lot of humor!!! it made me feel very excited wen i listened to it.Thankyoun kanye u rok my world!!! luv ya xx
  59. MichaelW
    Apr 6, 2006
    10
    Excelent songs
  60. THOMAST
    Jun 16, 2006
    10
    It's the best album what i heard in my life, i love this album, the song are various, the featurings are terrible!!! (Sorry for the fault i'm French )
  61. WaelH
    Aug 15, 2006
    10
    This is the best album in the freaking world .. and the best artist also !!!! kanye west .. a true singer not like all the other bitches who dnt even write there songs..
  62. tonyb
    Oct 13, 2004
    10
    wow
  63. manchisehmmmm
    Nov 8, 2004
    7
    no doubt pipz... tha album iz dope.. kanye got crazy drumz.. but his not as an mc.. his creatz crazyass jamz fo other artist.. lik jigga.. but his not tha best mc out there... HIZ A GUY WHO TALKZ IN HIS Jamz creatively..
  64. steveyup
    Oct 26, 2004
    10
    this cd is ridiculous.
  65. HarrisonT
    Feb 14, 2004
    10
    best album so far of 2004. this album is PERFECT. the lyrics r great. go get his album now. if you dont like kanye west college dropout. then u are not fan of hip hop or dont know what the definition of hip hop is. go get it now and support him
  66. RobbieR
    Feb 17, 2004
    10
    This CD is banging, best of the year so far. Kanye West created a classic CD and his songs are very varied. This coming from a producer/rapper. 50 cent aint got nothin on this.
  67. mikeq
    Feb 21, 2004
    10
    PERFECT!!!
  68. GigiJ
    Feb 21, 2004
    9
    Great Album...Kanye West should be consider one of the best thing in hip hop now.
  69. karlv
    Feb 24, 2004
    10
    future classic
  70. JP
    Mar 11, 2004
    10
    my faith in music has been wavering lately. it is now restored.
  71. Jimmy
    Mar 18, 2004
    7
    A refreshing change, but vocals are off point sometimes and production couldve been better. Definitely something for the future but he could easily go really mainstream, blurg :(
  72. patriciaj
    Mar 27, 2004
    10
    i love this album .
  73. DexterD
    Apr 13, 2004
    10
    album is sick from beginning to end
  74. bigmanbearmountain
    Apr 24, 2004
    10
    ThiS CD is hot The best CD this year. I love it. Its addictive listening to Kanye's CD.
  75. DavidC
    May 25, 2004
    10
    The best album for a first beginner, almost one of the best to me, i love through the wire, get em high, family business, Jesus walks, we don't care, and all falls down. That is a pimpin' cd...
  76. msizzlefoshizzle
    Jul 17, 2004
    10
    Is there anything you can really say. Just sick(in a good way)
  77. RileyN
    Aug 19, 2004
    10
    Its the best album ever made every song is a hit!!!
  78. LateishaS
    Aug 31, 2004
    10
    Name one rapper that talks about god in a postive way while swearing. He has had the best cd I have ever listend to
  79. QuanishaW
    Sep 26, 2004
    10
    This CD College DropOut is Hot. I Love this Cd. This is one of my favorite Cd's. Kanye I wish you good luck and make some more hot CD's. Love Ya, Quanisha Williams
  80. RandyG
    Dec 31, 2005
    9
    College Dropout is the best rao CD of all time. Kanye west is a legend!
  81. MaxD
    Feb 22, 2005
    10
    kanye is awesome. definitally the best album i've bought. this isthe only CD i own that i can listen 2 the whole thing without skipping a single track
  82. marcellw
    Mar 29, 2005
    10
    Best hip-hop album I've ever bought.
  83. nikkib
    Apr 17, 2005
    10
    Over a year later and this album is still tight!!!
  84. RobY
    Aug 19, 2005
    10
    Seriously, aint no betta album, i love this guy
  85. emilyw
    Feb 28, 2006
    10
    collage dropout is the best album i have (and late registration lol) it was realeased on my birthday to im a really big fan of kanye and its a definate ten hands down he's so insperational i LOVE him his albums the best !!!!!!!!!! thnx 4 letting me share
  86. JeremyE
    Apr 27, 2006
    10
    This cd is an incredible debut. College dropout is incredible. best of 2004 hands down
  87. PatrickS
    Dec 11, 2004
    10
    Man, this CD was off the hook. Kanya rocks...his lyrics really shows the struggles in life, dat ppl face. He got skillz, both as rapper and produce. Best rapper ever after 2pac. Cant wait for his next album....
  88. angela
    Dec 28, 2004
    10
    the cd is just so wakeing dude you know what mean by wakeing it radical
  89. brycet
    Nov 17, 2005
    10
    Kayne is the greatest!!!!
  90. Whodey
    Jul 23, 2012
    10
    Perhaps the best album of the entire decade. This album is so fresh, so unique, so beautiful. His lyricism is outstanding, and the subject matter is different for once. This is revolutionary, and Hip Hop, and music as a whole, needs Kanye West. Fantastic, brilliant album.
  91. Osiir
    Jun 18, 2013
    10
    Sensational debut. From the classic street-life opener, "We Don't Care", to the social/self critique of "All Falls Down", the soulful r&b bump'n'grind of "Slow Jams", the charging church choir-surged "Jesus Walks", or the near-death experience/hip-hop rebirth revelation that is "Through The Wire", this was a record that kept me not only in love, but returning time and time again. ThisSensational debut. From the classic street-life opener, "We Don't Care", to the social/self critique of "All Falls Down", the soulful r&b bump'n'grind of "Slow Jams", the charging church choir-surged "Jesus Walks", or the near-death experience/hip-hop rebirth revelation that is "Through The Wire", this was a record that kept me not only in love, but returning time and time again. This demonstrated purely what followed, the introduction and eventual blooming of one of rap's/pop's/art's biggest egos and biggest icons. 8.5/10… Expand
  92. OyvindOH
    Apr 26, 2015
    10
    Kanye’s production on this album was something new and amazing. It stands out, like the other early-2000’s hip hop albums failed to do. His lyrics were also unique. The only thing that I could say something negative about was the skits. However, these skits helped getting the feel of the album across, so I do not think this drags the album down to much.
  93. FadedInMN
    Dec 16, 2020
    9
    Not many rappers come out with a College Dropout level of project with their debut but thats why Kanye has always set the trends since. A true masterpiece. Amazing beats & bars from Ye. Have never got sick of any of these tracks all these years later.
  94. maplegotchi
    Mar 19, 2022
    8
    Kanye's story is a truly inspiring one. The story of a producer that wanted to make his own music, who was doubted across the board. After he got in that terrible accident it drove him to do what he wanted to do, make something he could call his own. So he did just that, and what a strong way to enter the ring. The College Dropout is an amazing collection of tracks from the producer thatKanye's story is a truly inspiring one. The story of a producer that wanted to make his own music, who was doubted across the board. After he got in that terrible accident it drove him to do what he wanted to do, make something he could call his own. So he did just that, and what a strong way to enter the ring. The College Dropout is an amazing collection of tracks from the producer that will always linger around my head.… Expand
  95. AnthonyStf
    May 23, 2023
    10
    Amazing album, love it So much. Every track is a blast, it's so great. The skits are amazing, I love the way the tracks connect.
  96. AlejoMadridista
    Aug 12, 2023
    10
    Espectacular, precioso, perfecto, increíble...que álbum tan hermoso. 100/10
  97. Hockster
    Aug 14, 2023
    10
    This 2004 album aged incredibly well, not only does it capture where Kanye West was at the time, but it also set him up for his following couple albums. These instrumentals give hard early 2000's nostalgic vibes. Kanye's lyricism shines bright throughout the project, along with his poetic placements for each interlude and skit. A one of a kind debut, for a one of a kind artist.

    Favorite    This 2004 album aged incredibly well, not only does it capture where Kanye West was at the time, but it also set him up for his following couple albums. These instrumentals give hard early 2000's nostalgic vibes. Kanye's lyricism shines bright throughout the project, along with his poetic placements for each interlude and skit. A one of a kind debut, for a one of a kind artist.

    Favorite Track - "Through The Wire"
    Least Favorite Track - "Workout Plan"    … Expand
  98. ghqjhhejghjhlj
    Oct 27, 2006
    9
    the shti for real....
  99. ManManManManManManManManManMan
    Jun 24, 2007
    10
    WOW. Now if I could give halves it would just be like a 9.5, because of the skits taking up such valuable track time. But aside from that, this is the most refreshing Hip Hop album in a long time, and Kanye West is one of the few mainstream artists people should welcome with open arms.
  100. DavidJ.
    Jun 24, 2007
    10
    A Hip Hop Classic.
Page:

Awards & Rankings

14
#14 Best Album of 2004
5
#5 Most Discussed Album of 2004
1
#1 Most Shared Album of 2004

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
87

Universal acclaim - based on 25 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 25 out of 25
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 25
  3. Negative: 0 out of 25
  1. Slant Magazine
    Feb 17, 2011
    70
    Like every hip-hop album (even the great ones), Kanye West's The College Dropout is marred by too many guest artists, too many interludes, and just too many songs period. (I challenge every hip-hop artist working today to record just one album with 12 tracks or less-no skits, no guests, no filler.)
    Read full review
  2. Spin
    Feb 17, 2011
    70
    Most producers who approach the mic do so at their peril, but on Dropout, West turns out to be a full-service hip-hop artiste.
    Read full review
  3. Vibe
    80
    Delivers both ass-shakers and contemplative cuts.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »