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. RapGameWillyWon
    Feb 15, 2015
    10
    This album is considered one of the 2000's best for a reason. In terms of rapping, the lyricism and wordplay is unbeliveable ("Mayonaisse colored Benz, I push miracle whips.") The guest verses are all great too, the weakest probably being Common on "Get Em High," who seems to emphasize too much on completely average punchlines. But the production is where this album really shines. BuiltThis album is considered one of the 2000's best for a reason. In terms of rapping, the lyricism and wordplay is unbeliveable ("Mayonaisse colored Benz, I push miracle whips.") The guest verses are all great too, the weakest probably being Common on "Get Em High," who seems to emphasize too much on completely average punchlines. But the production is where this album really shines. Built almost entirely on sped up samples of Soul, Gospel and R&B classics, these instrumentals take the mood of their original sources and give them a fresh modern mood with hard hitting drums. In terms of subject matter, this album will definitely get you thinking, Kanye intelligently examines his past on personal tracks such as "Never Let Me Down," "Spaceship," and "Through the Wire," but throughout the album makes us contemplate issues such as religion, gang violence, the minimum wage, racism and even (on a hilarious satirical track) work out plans. At the same time, he gives us room to have fun on playful jams like "School Spirit" and "Slow Jamz" which shows the talents of Chicago peer Twista. Overall, one of the most complete collections of music I've ever heard and will leave you feeling refreshed after finishing it.… Expand
  2. Urbanlistener
    Apr 28, 2015
    10
    Arguably West's best album, but not arguably one of the best debut album of all time, College dropout is awesome in its uniqueness and delivers a sound that assured Kanye's future to be bright.
  3. 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.
  4. GabrielVictor
    May 15, 2016
    10
    Além de inovador, ¨ The College Dropout ¨ , é um triunfo musical e artístico, onde a genialidade e o sarcasmo de Kanye West andam lado a lado.(A+)
  5. victorcarter
    Nov 29, 2016
    10
    The album that started it all. The pitched-up soul samples are iconic to this day and brought about many imitators, but no-one can match what Kanye did here.

    Best Songs: We Don't Care, All Falls Down, Jesus Walks, The New Workout Plan, Slow Jamz, Through The Wire, Two Words.
  6. Fib3r
    Jul 14, 2017
    10
    One of, if not the greatest debut albums in all of hip hop, Every track delivers and it is my third favourite Kanye Album. My favourite of his three first school themed albums.
  7. Cpillow
    Dec 19, 2017
    10
    One of the greatest hip-hop albums of all-time. Kanye sounds fantastic over soul-based production, and no album emphasizes that more than "The College Droupout". With elegant production and fantastic rapping there isn't a low moment. "Slow Jamz", "All Falls Down", "Jesus Walks", "We Don't Care", and "Through the Wire" are just a few of the many stand-out tracks on this project. The subjectOne of the greatest hip-hop albums of all-time. Kanye sounds fantastic over soul-based production, and no album emphasizes that more than "The College Droupout". With elegant production and fantastic rapping there isn't a low moment. "Slow Jamz", "All Falls Down", "Jesus Walks", "We Don't Care", and "Through the Wire" are just a few of the many stand-out tracks on this project. The subject matter is incredible to, whether it be about consumerism on "All Falls Down", the impact of Jesus on "Jesus Walks", or how one lives their everyday life after a car collision like on "Through the Wire". Kanye put out a few other great records after this one, but this is definitely a shining moment in Ye's career.… Expand
  8. C_dot
    Feb 14, 2019
    10
    Kanye West delivers a masterfully crafted debut album, presenting a new style of hip hop before unheard. He shows why his sampling skills are so revered, layering all tracks fantastically.
  9. Atum_
    Jun 8, 2020
    10
    This is the greatest thing Kanye West ever did. The production on this is just amazing. Every track sounds so different yet similar. Kanye's lyrics are funny, yet serious. He is ambitious, yet humble. I just truly love this album. He put a religious track on his debut album, an album people already was sceptic about. Not only did he put it on the album, he made it one of its singles. KanyeThis is the greatest thing Kanye West ever did. The production on this is just amazing. Every track sounds so different yet similar. Kanye's lyrics are funny, yet serious. He is ambitious, yet humble. I just truly love this album. He put a religious track on his debut album, an album people already was sceptic about. Not only did he put it on the album, he made it one of its singles. Kanye really paved a new wave for hip hop with this album, which I forever will be grateful for, as if not, crunk music would probably still have a big influence on new hip hop. I don't like crunk at all. Favorite tracks: We don't care, Jesus Walks, Never Let Me Down.… Expand
  10. DanielRodrigues
    Oct 16, 2018
    10
    classic, top 3 from Ye Discography

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  11. brashadcarr23
    Mar 22, 2019
    10
    top 3 rap album of the 00s with blueprint and mmlp this is kanye second best album behind mbdtf
  12. raffid
    Dec 8, 2018
    10
    The College Dropout is the illustrious debut of none other than Kanye West - and despite being nearly 15 years old it's certainly aged very well, better than other albums of the era, and for a number of reasons. On this album, Kanye shows off his talent as a producer with his trademark 'chipmunk soul' production style (with songs based upon sped up soul samples), while its lyrics on racialThe College Dropout is the illustrious debut of none other than Kanye West - and despite being nearly 15 years old it's certainly aged very well, better than other albums of the era, and for a number of reasons. On this album, Kanye shows off his talent as a producer with his trademark 'chipmunk soul' production style (with songs based upon sped up soul samples), while its lyrics on racial injustice, the education system (and those who mindlessly go to college) and the remarkably amusing skits were a breath of fresh air from the gangsta rap status quo of the day. Kanye sounds likable and down to earth on this album, two things he wouldn't pull off again for many years after. There isn't a sample on this album that isn't tasteful and creative, nor a hook that isn't catchy, nor a bar that isn't fire. Absolutely essential; a modern classic if ever there was one.… Expand
  13. CyXato
    Jun 22, 2019
    10
    Kanye's debut album is simply genius. Not his best album in his discography but still amazing. In my opinion Late Registration is the more polished version of this. Either way, the soul samples Kanye uses is simply fantastic. Here is my rundown of the songs. No skits

    We Don't Care- Childrens choir make it sound peachy and keen but the theme is somewhat dark. All Falls Down- god this    Kanye's debut album is simply genius. Not his best album in his discography but still amazing. In my opinion Late Registration is the more polished version of this. Either way, the soul samples Kanye uses is simply fantastic. Here is my rundown of the songs. No skits

    We Don't Care- Childrens choir make it sound peachy and keen but the theme is somewhat dark.

    All Falls Down- god this song is so uplifting sounding even though the lyrics really aren't. Syleena Johnson does so well on this track as well.

    Spaceship- I feel this song is simply underrated. It is one of my favorite songs from the album. I just want to listen to this driving through the city.

    Jesus Walks- Classic. Listen to it. So good.;

    Never let me down- Need to listen to again as I just started to like it.

    Get em high- Talib and common did really good on this as well. Beat is sick.

    The New Workout Plan- one of Ye's funniest songs. ending beat is used in J cole's Work Out.

    Slow Jamz- this song is SO DAMN GOOD. Just started liking it after not the first time and literally can't stop. never skipped on my playlist.

    Breathe in breathe out- meh.

    School spirit- Love it. So positive sounding and soul samples and everything about it. It is edited though which is odd.

    Two Words- gotta relisten

    Through the WIRE- SO GOOD YOU WILL ENJOY

    Family Business- sad and happy. so good.

    Last Call - gotta listen again.    … Expand
  14. LukieB
    Oct 8, 2020
    10
    Amazing album with good flow, lyrics, beats, everything you could want from an album. My favorite debut album and is very well put together with countless skits that aren’t amazing, but entertaining to listen to. Kanye provides a good listening experience.
  15. Fabian_7
    Jan 22, 2020
    10
    A young and driven Kanye West had something to say, which resulted in one of the strongest debuts in hip-hop. During a time where hip-hop was dominated by gangsta rap, Kanye breaks into the scene with lyrical themes that explore the depths of love, family and religion. Just to show how much of a breath of fresh air this 21 track album was, when Kanye showed multiple masterpieces on this,A young and driven Kanye West had something to say, which resulted in one of the strongest debuts in hip-hop. During a time where hip-hop was dominated by gangsta rap, Kanye breaks into the scene with lyrical themes that explore the depths of love, family and religion. Just to show how much of a breath of fresh air this 21 track album was, when Kanye showed multiple masterpieces on this, Jesus Walks being a prime example, to his colleagues, they straight up laughed at him. The multiple grammy's and love from both critics and fans, quickly proved them wrong. You can feel mr. West's constant persistence on here to make a piece of art, and it shows off. Most songs have managed to remain just as fresh and catchy 16 years after it's release. The cheerful and mind-blowing incorporation of soul samples isn't the last contributor to that. 10/10… Expand
  16. ChunkDump
    Dec 23, 2020
    10
    the "old Kanye" at his highest. classic hip hop samples galore. Ye raps produces and damn near composes this masterpiece of art. Grammy winning lyrics and beats. my favorite track from this "Through The Wire" by the way this album was made during his time experiencing a life threatening car accident that could've cut his life and career short. a musical genius. a musical trademark of Hip Hop.
  17. monkeeh
    Jul 27, 2021
    10
    This album is absolutely timeless. The start of a trilogy of album widely regarded as classics today and the first and perfect impression into Kanye's music. This album explores themes of racism, politics and most notably religion in a time where these concepts were usually taboo in hip-hop. From start to finish your taken on a comedic, enthralling trip through Kanye's musical ability,This album is absolutely timeless. The start of a trilogy of album widely regarded as classics today and the first and perfect impression into Kanye's music. This album explores themes of racism, politics and most notably religion in a time where these concepts were usually taboo in hip-hop. From start to finish your taken on a comedic, enthralling trip through Kanye's musical ability, displaying his production skill and rapping (even whilst having his mouth surgically shut). The feature are well utilised and add tremendously to the vibe of the album. All throughout he keeps you intrigued with little reason to skip any part of the project, maintaining consistency even in the songs that are not as good. Some of his best are on this including: All Falls Down, Through The Wire and Jesus Walks to name a few. Overall, arguably his best project and a instant classic.… Expand
  18. hiphopplatinum
    Oct 2, 2022
    10
    a great album that grows on you with every listen some tracks are boring but grow on you over time and the albums sampling is S tier Ye brought something new with this album and continued to change hip hop over the years
  19. Thonyo
    Feb 16, 2022
    10
    Esse é o meu álbum favorito do Ye , faixas memoráveis , qualidade impecável , basicamente o primeiro álbum que ele lançou conseguiu surgir essa obra-prima , minhas faixas favoritas são All Falls Down , Jesus Walks e Through The Wire.
  20. Skeledon
    May 22, 2023
    10
    Relatable, Classic album. My favorite song is Family Business. This redefined Hip Hop, Ye is a Genius
  21. stankyleg
    Mar 19, 2022
    10
    Still the most kanye album of his career. And tied for my favorite rap album of all time.
  22. Dunker530
    Apr 7, 2022
    10
    The one thing that i love the most about kanye, is about how hard it is to rank his discography, every album holds up with quality production, and tracks, for me this one is hard to place, because it shows how bad ye wanted success and how much he was willing to give, and he showed it, with providing a new sub genre of hip pop, that eventually influenced generations, with the power ofThe one thing that i love the most about kanye, is about how hard it is to rank his discography, every album holds up with quality production, and tracks, for me this one is hard to place, because it shows how bad ye wanted success and how much he was willing to give, and he showed it, with providing a new sub genre of hip pop, that eventually influenced generations, with the power of sampling. Overall kanye is a GOAT.… Expand
  23. Joffnatic
    Jun 26, 2022
    10
    One of the best debut albums of all time. PERIOD. Kanye gave this project his all as he struggled with proving himself as a legitimate rap artist, and blew the expectations of both his label and the community out of the water. Kanye communicates perfectly with both his beats and features, and the last couple of tracks are hard to get out of your head. Graduation Day, All Falls Down, JesusOne of the best debut albums of all time. PERIOD. Kanye gave this project his all as he struggled with proving himself as a legitimate rap artist, and blew the expectations of both his label and the community out of the water. Kanye communicates perfectly with both his beats and features, and the last couple of tracks are hard to get out of your head. Graduation Day, All Falls Down, Jesus Walks, Never Let Me Down, Two Words, Through The Wire, Family Business and Last call are some of my favorite songs off the project.… Expand
  24. SaulBadman
    May 5, 2022
    10
    One of the best hip-hop albums ever made. An incredible debut that countered the typical 'gansta-rap' found in the genre at the time. Kanye's witty lyrics and fantastic production brought variety to the scene and launched a rap icon.
  25. daytonatabooywr
    Nov 4, 2022
    10
    i always has a phd a pretty huge dick bar of the century 10/10 amazing would reccomend
  26. omgrachel
    Oct 2, 2022
    10
    This album with Kanye coming from a producer to a rapper is great. This debut album is absolutely fantastic. The rapping, producing, samples and everything on this are just absolutely great. the songs on this are just so incredibly fantastic I can't talk about this album well but this has got to be Kanye's best, if you haven't listened I would highly suggest doing so
  27. kano_kami
    Nov 11, 2022
    10
    the first album of kanye west might as well be his best one
    it is one of the only albums in which every song compliments each other
  28. JonBon
    Jan 9, 2023
    10
    all the songs are great and the skits add to the listening experience of the album:)
  29. RegenT_A_1300
    Dec 20, 2022
    10
    Kanyes best album by like 20 miles, xoxoxxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxooxoxoxox
  30. 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.
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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 »