User Score
Universal acclaim- based on 1249 Ratings
User score distribution:
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Positive: 1,109 out of 1249
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Mixed: 42 out of 1249
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Negative: 98 out of 1249
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May 8, 2011By far one of Kanye's best albums. And definetely one of my favourites too.
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DanASep 11, 2007Graduation seems to be very risky. An electronic sound, almost no guest appearances, and no skits. Kanye should be out of his element. But aside from Drunk and Hot Girls, the album is amazing. As good as it is, it's not better than his first two.
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PeterM.Sep 13, 2007
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MusicalJSep 14, 2007
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JakeS.Sep 11, 2007Consistent is one thing Kanye's albums have been. He doesn't break the mold with "Graduation". I can't recall many artists who's first 3 records were considered "album of the year" candidates each time one was released. Amazing.
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GeraldH.Sep 12, 2007Kanye is everything hip hop and rap should be all about. He is inventive, creative and breaks new ground. He makes exciting new and interesting material and should be a blueprint for what other rap artists should strive for, as opposed to the ring tone rappers who follow the same tired and over used formulas that went out of style in the late 1990's.
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RickyQSep 14, 2007
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Feb 22, 2012If I were to listen to only five albums for the rest of my life, Kanye West's Graduation would definitely be among the other four. It's just superb. Maybe Barry Bonds isn't as great as the rest, but it's just a small scratch on a maasterfully crafted album. I **** lover this album
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Mar 22, 2011
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Apr 25, 2011
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Oct 23, 2011filled with happy vibes, this is kanye's best work by far. and easily my most favourite album in the industry. theres just one problem, 'stronger' shouldnt of been released as a single.
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Dec 3, 2011Technically, Kanye's best album. It fails to take the listener new places however, and without "Can't Tell Me Nothing" the album lacks both his soul-beat style and new found intensity. Overall though, pretty phenomenal album.
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Mar 15, 2012His best album to date; unlike Watch the Throne or MBDTF, Kanye simply does what he does best, without sounding overly pompous (and thus, annoying). Still, there is enough **** in here to make a very good Kanye album, but also enough realism that you know he is a real person, not just a stuck-up fool.
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Feb 4, 2014Graduation is a more mainstream 808s and Heartbreak. It has a distinct electronic sound that complements the introspective, personal lyrics. Kanye opens up in Graduation in brash and emotional ways. 8.7/10
Best track: "Can't Tell Me Nothing"
Other tracks that stand out: "Barry Bonds", "Everything I Am", "The Glory", "Homecoming", and "Big Brother" -
Nov 1, 2013I have always appreciated this album, since it was very positive with a surprising stay in school type of message. Much less depraved than other rap releases and is never boring with clever rhymes and cool beats. My favorite from Kanye. Add it to your collection
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May 3, 2014
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Dec 8, 2014
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Nov 8, 2019The finale of Kanye's college trilogy is the weakest entry in the series, but it is still a banger. It lacks the cohesion the first two albums had, but it has some of the best songs Kanye has ever written. Well worth a listen, and doubly rewarding to listen to right after College Dropout and Late Registration.
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Mar 30, 2017Overall a strong album, with a few forgettable tracks. One of Kanye's more radio friendly albums. Definitely not his best worth, but surely worth a listen.
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Aug 17, 2011This album brings back so many good memories. It's a feel good, memorable rap album unlike any other. KanYe is definently top of the game, and this proves it. classic.
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ianoOct 5, 2007The beats are good, but it lacks real passion theres something a bit plastic bout it, don't get me wrong a good album i just expected more from the saviour of hip hop.
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RobertS.Sep 12, 2007this is probably the worst album he has put out but its still fantastic! got rid of the skits and makes a more free flowing album but not as easily accessible as the other twoi. still highly recommended
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chrisSep 12, 2007Not as good as his first album, but worth the $10.00. good beat and lyrics from the heart. I hope he beats 50. 50 should be ashamed of his new album, pure crap. I want my $$ back
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May 8, 2011not his best attempt but its not his worse. i liked this album but it was okay. it was nothing to brag about. kinda disappointing this album was a kinda a let down
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****Sep 11, 2007KanYe on the inside, Murakami on the outside. Who wouldn't like this album?
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SpreeSep 11, 2007Not as great as his last album, but that's like saying a porsche is not as nice as a ferrarri.
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JaleelW.Sep 11, 2007Kanye's best and a shoe-in for Album of the Year at the Grammys. R.I.P. 50 Cent. His retirement will spawn a new revolution in rap.
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CesarC.Sep 10, 2007There is clear progression between CD, LR, and Graduation. All of them are very different.
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LeonASep 17, 2007Can someone please check the NME review! If you read it carefully, its quite obvious the reviewer is listening to a leaked copy of the album. He even talks about Good Night ft. Mos Def for crying out loud! Just terrible. This album is hot stuff though! only bad track is Drunk and Hot girls the rest is CLASSIC!
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RashonW.Sep 22, 2007Not just the greatest rapper of all time but the greatest artist living today. Like Kanye said, if there was a modern day Bible written today he would be the lead character, the narrator and all the acknowledgements would be reserved for Kanye himself. Can anyone stop this man?
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IsaacL.Feb 19, 2008I can't compare it to his other albums since I don't have them, but I enjoyed it lots and almost all of the tracks - especially Good Morning, Stronger, Can't Tell Me Nothing, Barry Bonds and Big Brother - were great. It doesn't get a 10 because of the inclusion of crap such as Everything I Am and I Wonder - both average tracks which let Graduation down.
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AlexS.Nov 7, 2007The Classic...
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DezDec 19, 2007To ask for him to record an album to top Late Registration is simply not going to happen. With that said, this is a very good album, not his best, however easily on of the best hip hop has had to offer this year.
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TrellT.Dec 6, 2007It could've been better; but still quailty.
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otisc.Oct 3, 2007Great album, its inspirational and moving. Different from everything out right now. A leap forward for Real authentic Hip-Hop Music especially people who don't carry 40 Caliber pistol.....lol
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RahatS.Sep 11, 2007reinventing music one album at a time
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RoyalC.Sep 11, 2007It's Kanye...exactly what the doctor ordered.
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D.F.Sep 10, 2007Shows a much more mature lyricist and producer in Kanye West. Graduation is his tightest and most consistent album yet. It shows how he can stand alone without much outside help, unlike many artists making music today.
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Ms.T.Sep 11, 2007I think it is in the middle between the 1st and 2nd but one thing it is and that is good. Production is great and as a lyricist he has improved a great deal. I think he is one of the few that can smoothly make the transition from producer to mc. Kanye's got my top vote for the battle of the cds between him and that other dude!! Great job Ye!
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JubileeW.Sep 11, 2007Kanye doesnt dissapoint. Once more he has produced and written an amazing album. From the in depth lyrics of Big Brother to the ever imaginative and eye opening Flashing Lights, or to the old skool soul of The Glory. Another masterpiece.
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EmilS.Sep 11, 2007Production solid all the way through. Sometimes the lyrics and delivery of same is clumsy but mostly pretty decent.
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JesseG.Sep 10, 2007an instant classic
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MattS.Sep 12, 2007Nobody pays more attention to production Musically this is by far the best hip hop album out there
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SamC.Sep 14, 2007Another brilliant album from the master of hip-hop. Everyone knows his skills as a producer, but I think he's underapreciated as a lyricist.
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justinaSep 16, 2007way better then the first album!!! i guess 50 aint supportin his next album, since u wooped his ass!!!
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DreM.Sep 18, 2007Kanye doesn't disappoint on this album.
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AnissaB.Sep 21, 2007Kanye is a lyrical genius! I love the way he skillfully plays on words. My fav tracks on Graduation are Big Brother, I Wonder, Bittersweet and Can't Tell Me Nothing. But basically all the tracks are bangers, with the exception of Drunk & Hot Girls, [what were you thinkin Ye & Mos Def??]
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LiefS.Sep 20, 2007
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MikeD.Sep 23, 2007Kanye proves he is able to make actual music and not just repetitive commercialized rap-pop, with lyrics that are actually saying something new, rather than the standard cookie cutter hip-hop verbiage, Graduation is full of originality and intelligence musically and lyrically - Thank you Mr. West, the Stevie Wonder of hip hop!!
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EvanT.Aug 31, 2008I am and always will be a rock guy. I listened to West's song 'Homecoming' at a party, and became obsessed with it. I bought the album, and will never look at rap the same way again. Thank you Kanye for revitalizing the genre.
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luciamOct 10, 2007Just great and different .His music is in a high level.
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jupioi.Nov 15, 2007Incredible
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NickS.Nov 27, 2007One of my favorite albums in a long time really fresh stuff.
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JoshM.Dec 6, 2007Nice...he still has a big mouth though.
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PeterPOct 28, 2007Nice! If you like Hip-Hop then you'll like this album. It's one of those that you'll be able to listen to over and over.
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LucaA.Sep 11, 2007fantastic
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AlexV.Sep 11, 2007this album is ridiculous every song is at least 4 stars out of 5 flashing lights, stronger, good morning, big brother shit the whole album is straight FIRE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! BUY OR DIE
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MarioV.Sep 11, 2007Two Rappers: One represents the Status Quo of hip hop, guns, bitches and bling, and the other represents hip hop in all its glory: what it was at its creative peak and what it hopefully will revert to in the future. Today, both their CD
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ClassicBoyyyeeeSep 11, 2007this album is classic kanye is at the top of his game and he made a great decision cutting back on all the damn skits. the intro, homecoming, big brother, and the glory are all standout tracks.good life is destined to become a smash hit. this is easily the best hip-hop album of the year
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LingSep 11, 2007Great Album, both musically and lyriclly
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JoeU.Sep 11, 2007This wasn't his best work but its still way better than most rap albums that came out this year.
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EdwardH.Sep 11, 2007
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[Anonymous]Sep 10, 2007flashing lights is the track of the year!!! if you thought that the singles on this album were good, just wait until you hear the other sutff. this album has absolutely no filler!
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LarryC.Sep 11, 2007It
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SamS.Sep 10, 2007this album is amazing
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ScottS.Sep 10, 2007wow
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BlankSep 10, 2007This is Kanye's best album yet.
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PatD.Sep 10, 2007Sputnikmusic reviews are always a joke. This is easily one of the better albums of the year.
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BrianM.Sep 11, 2007
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JoshN.Sep 11, 2007Easily Ye's most personal album. Definitely as good, if not better than college dropout or late registration. Shows musical prowess, and shows his intimate sides. Big brother is an amazing track, as is the good life. Check it out
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EdM.Sep 12, 2007Consistant. The beat for flashing lights is up there with 'what you know' as far as catchiness. Throughout this album it also seems like he's putting forth an aura of personal growth and presence. I enjoyed it a lot.
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NateL.Sep 12, 2007Spec-tac-u-laaaaaar
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MatthewS.Sep 10, 2007Another outstanding accomplishment from Kanye! "I Wonder" is my absolute favorite, but I've grown pretty fond of the entire album! If you can get your hands on the bonus track "Good Night" .. well, do so! It's phenomenal, too!
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ScottS.Sep 10, 2007wow
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JamesAutographSep 12, 2007Not terrible...but the beats seem to overshadow his lyrics at times...but still a good listen, though.
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KevinM.Sep 12, 2007Kanye shows that he is at the top of his production game. On tracks where he slacks lyrically he makes up for it with beats and vice versa. The feel and the sound of the album is 100% 80's synth with hip hop and I loved every second of it. An amazing album to end the trilogy. My only complaint is he didnt use skits to make it feel more like part of the trilogy.
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AlexL.Sep 13, 2007
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KyleM.Sep 13, 2007classic if you don't like it you're lying to yourself
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EvinA.Sep 13, 2007Kanye West is the savior of Hip-Hop. Three Times a Charm
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AlexG.Sep 13, 2007I think the new record's good. A lot of good stuff. Wish it had officially included Bittersweet Poetry which is fantastic. But I'd like to respond to Brendan D. that ABBA's pretty perfect, finely crafted pop music. Even great music curmudgeon (and personal hero) Lester Bangs saw that.
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AlexSSep 14, 2007
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johno.Sep 14, 2007AMAZING.
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ChrisKSep 16, 2007Possibly the best album of the year!
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RajeshSSep 16, 2007Nice use of diverse samples.
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christianpSep 16, 2007
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BradSep 17, 2007Not a huge fan of Kanye West, but come on. This isn't even fair how unbelievably produced it is.
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KevinH.Sep 17, 2007This album is amazing the only drawback that i had was that it is only 13 tracks. I don't understand what some of these critics are talking about when they bash this album. They must have been Kanye haters from the start. Favorite Song: Flashing Lights
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emilywSep 17, 2007
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JoeT.Sep 18, 2007Don't be fooled if you thought the first couple of singles were kinda weak. All the tracks fit remarkable well together, and the album just flows by (both not usually the case for a hip hop album) No skits. No filler. Still, with Jay-z as a mentor you'd think he's rhymes and flow would improve ...and not get worse.
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FaiselSFeb 13, 2008Is one of the best. Attracts many people even those who don't listen to rap.
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SachinD.Apr 29, 2008This was an amazing achievement for Kanye. The sheer variety in the songs makes it one of the most colorful and intriguing albums I've ever had the pleasure of listening to.
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LbooigeOct 11, 2007Great music all the way through.....to all the people out there that rated this cd 1-5 you don't know hip-hop...just stick to your ringtone raps.
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LamontNov 17, 2007This album isn't a bad one. What sets this set apart is the simplified structure of the songs. While I preferred the ornate production of Late Registration, the production here on Graduation could very well be more focused and cohesive here.
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MusicLoverOct 29, 2007An amazing album- definitely better than 50 Cent's "music". Kanye put all his heart & soul into the music, & all 50 did was put work into the beef they had going on.
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KyleZ.Sep 11, 2007Kanye as a producer is the greatest out there. As a rapper, he is still better than most
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AdamE.Sep 11, 2007This album is amzing and I am not even a big rap fan a must buy for 2007! My favorite songs are Good Morning,Stronger,Good Life,Champion and Can't Tell Me Nothing! Go Get It!
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JasonH.Sep 11, 2007Graduation is maybe Kanyes best cd
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ChrisCSep 11, 2007It sounds pretty good. At some times it seems like he picked a sample based on how cool he thought it would make him sound, then worked backwards to build the song. He had no business rapping over Daft Punk's 'Bigger Better Faster Stronger'. But his self-opinion aside, it's a pretty good listen.
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ThatMusicGuySep 11, 200750 vs. Graduation? hahahaha the real argument is Graduation vs. Neon Bible and Boxer for Album of the Year
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SaadG.Sep 12, 2007This album is tight. The beats are top notch. And sampling Daft Punk? pure genius
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Awards & Rankings
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Feb 9, 2011Nearly every song on Graduation is memorable for both its hooks and its overall sound.
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Graduation is neither as bold nor as scattered as "The College Dropout," and it's neither as extroverted nor as sonically rich as "Late Registration." Kanye still makes up for his shortcomings as an MC and lyricist by remaining charmingly clumsy, frequently dealing nonsense through suspect rhyme schemes.
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An impressively creative hip-hop album that will hopefully inspire West's peers to try new sonic avenues.