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. TonyC
    Mar 4, 2004
    10
    The second greatest rap album ever, surely the best debut, but the Blueprint is by far a better album. This now makes Kanye not just the greatest producer ever but he is the current best rapper, now Jay-Z has quit the game.
  2. Fabi
    Mar 5, 2004
    10
    Shit is real...its fire man...His songs r stuck in my head all day...N his lyrics r nice...Im luvin Kanye
  3. carlosr
    Sep 19, 2004
    10
    I am an amateur rapper and producer and the way he raps and the way his beats rock just make me wanna do it more.
  4. daniellee
    Oct 25, 2004
    10
    Best Album of the year
  5. SethB
    Feb 11, 2004
    10
    I LOVE THIS!!!!! I am SO tired of all this THUG CRAP in hip hop today. Kayne West bravely downplays that without losing street credibility. Finally, a major release who remembers what KRS would call, "Real Hip-Hop"!!
  6. brianl
    Feb 13, 2004
    10
    best hip/hop cd since "all eyez on me" period.
  7. JasonC
    Feb 16, 2004
    10
    I cant help it, I have to give it a 10! This cd is awesome. It delivers great life into all the beats and Kanye doesn't bring the same gangsta flow as everyone else.
  8. melissab
    Feb 16, 2004
    10
    this cd is off the chain, i dont even have to skip tracks because they are all phat! He brings back what lyricist are really about!
  9. chancet
    Feb 17, 2004
    10
    his style surpasses every rapper in the game right now. his lyrics are real and they'll impact any listener.
  10. StaceyG
    Feb 20, 2004
    10
    Not many CDs are u able to listen to all the way through....not many albums touch on what is trendy and what is contoversial .....there are very few hip-hop albums that can reach everyone... this one does. Kanye is a true lyricist and beatmaster and as said on the last track "ya'll niggas are stupid for not signing" Chi's finest.
  11. StuT
    Mar 23, 2004
    10
    The best album of the year. possibly the best freshman album ever. Can't wait to hear his next one.
  12. 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
  13. 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
  14. 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!
  15. brandonh
    Apr 30, 2004
    10
    album is much deeper than just any average album
  16. [Anonymous]
    Apr 7, 2004
    10
    AMAZING
  17. vefhfbdvdv
    May 13, 2004
    10
    My Husband has the best album EVERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!!!
  18. ss
    May 9, 2004
    10
    One of the best rap albums ever to be released.
  19. DanC
    Jun 12, 2004
    10
    This is the best CD of 2004 so far!
  20. 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.
  21. 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
  22. ChristinaT
    Sep 22, 2004
    10
    I love all the songs on this cd!!!!!!!!
  23. 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.
  24. 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!
  25. dom.
    Jan 22, 2005
    10
    this is an awesome album! it's good to see someone supporting the Man above!
  26. GregP
    Jan 20, 2005
    10
    the best
  27. ChrisB
    Feb 13, 2005
    10
    Jesus Walks is my anthem 'nuff said -Chris
  28. Max
    Feb 22, 2005
    10
    Killin y'all n****z on that lyrical s**t Mayonnaise colored Benz, I push Miracle Whips
  29. 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.
  30. DavidJ.
    Jun 24, 2007
    10
    A Hip Hop Classic.
  31. 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
  32. 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.
  33. 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.
  34. johnB
    Oct 4, 2004
    10
    Best cd i've ever listened to
  35. 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
  36. 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.
  37. MARKH
    Feb 14, 2004
    10
    NICE
  38. jeremyb
    Feb 15, 2004
    10
    best hip hop cd of the year.
  39. DennisL
    Feb 16, 2004
    10
    ...Im just trying not to dropout...but he is speaking the truth
  40. ChyvaunF
    Feb 18, 2004
    10
    This is an amazing CD. Kanye is a genius.
  41. IslamM
    Feb 18, 2004
    10
    cd is straight fire
  42. JordanH
    Mar 22, 2004
    10
    Its HOT
  43. 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
  44. sharinaw
    Mar 4, 2004
    10
    ONE OF THE BESTS!
  45. 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
  46. 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.
  47. 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
  48. jayt
    May 11, 2004
    10
    Just deeeeeeeeerty.
  49. V
    May 10, 2004
    10
    from his style to his music, all original
  50. samlast
    Jun 28, 2004
    10
    its alllllllll good!
  51. 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
  52. JoshE
    Sep 21, 2004
    10
    This album was the BOMB!
  53. 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.
  54. jamesb
    May 1, 2005
    10
    i think it was the coldest cd of the year
  55. AaronCo
    Jan 17, 2006
    10
    One of the best albums ever made! Kanye is sick!
  56. DanA
    Dec 5, 2006
    10
    Amazing. When I first heard Kanye I thought it was just another solid rapper coming up. But the production on this album is far above great and the lyrics are more than solid. Kanye is the best well-rounded rapper, or maybe even music artist in general, of today.
  57. 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
  58. MichaelW
    Apr 6, 2006
    10
    Excelent songs
  59. 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 )
  60. 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..
  61. tonyb
    Oct 13, 2004
    10
    wow
  62. steveyup
    Oct 26, 2004
    10
    this cd is ridiculous.
  63. 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
  64. 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.
  65. mikeq
    Feb 21, 2004
    10
    PERFECT!!!
  66. karlv
    Feb 24, 2004
    10
    future classic
  67. JP
    Mar 11, 2004
    10
    my faith in music has been wavering lately. it is now restored.
  68. patriciaj
    Mar 27, 2004
    10
    i love this album .
  69. DexterD
    Apr 13, 2004
    10
    album is sick from beginning to end
  70. bigmanbearmountain
    Apr 24, 2004
    10
    ThiS CD is hot The best CD this year. I love it. Its addictive listening to Kanye's CD.
  71. 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...
  72. msizzlefoshizzle
    Jul 17, 2004
    10
    Is there anything you can really say. Just sick(in a good way)
  73. RileyN
    Aug 19, 2004
    10
    Its the best album ever made every song is a hit!!!
  74. 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
  75. 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
  76. 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
  77. marcellw
    Mar 29, 2005
    10
    Best hip-hop album I've ever bought.
  78. nikkib
    Apr 17, 2005
    10
    Over a year later and this album is still tight!!!
  79. RobY
    Aug 19, 2005
    10
    Seriously, aint no betta album, i love this guy
  80. 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
  81. JeremyE
    Apr 27, 2006
    10
    This cd is an incredible debut. College dropout is incredible. best of 2004 hands down
  82. HaroldJ.
    Jul 17, 2007
    10
    one of the hottest albums of all time lyrics are undeniable and the beats are amazing long live G.O.O.D. music
  83. 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....
  84. angela
    Dec 28, 2004
    10
    the cd is just so wakeing dude you know what mean by wakeing it radical
  85. brycet
    Nov 17, 2005
    10
    Kayne is the greatest!!!!
  86. rollingstone82
    Aug 14, 2010
    10
    One of the best debut albums ever made.

    Before this album, Kanye West didn't become the ruler he is today. He was the acclaimed producer of Blueprint who served up hit tracks one after another. But his real dream was to become a rapper and that was a difficult task. In an industry dominated by gangsta rap and hardcore rap, it was hard for a backpacker like Kanye West to shine. But those    One of the best debut albums ever made.

    Before this album, Kanye West didn't become the ruler he is today. He was the acclaimed producer of Blueprint who served up hit tracks one after another. But his real dream was to become a rapper and that was a difficult task. In an industry dominated by gangsta rap and hardcore rap, it was hard for a backpacker like Kanye West to shine. But those troubles are furthermore reason why College Dropout is one of the best debut albums ever. Why? Because he overcame them with one HUGE leap.

    Kanye isn't the gangsta/hustler type. He is the average guy who has something to say. He discusses various topics like college education, his drop out, materialism, consumerism, religion and its role in music among others. Not expected of a normal rap album because it sounds too normal. But that is the beauty of the album. West fearlessly dares to rap about things that don't include money, crack, girls, or clothes. And he does it with his own style that is powerful and engaging. He can be funny and serious at the same time. Lyrically, he isn't half-bad. He is able to interest his audience throughout the course of the album.

    And the production? Oh man. The beats are surprisingly so catchy yet inventive. Jesus Walks features a pounding club peat and chants that accompany his messages of Jesus and lack of God on radio simply because there is no profitability. And The New Workout Plan features a booty shaker that is laced with Middle Eastern violins.

    West's wordplay is still to be developed and some songs feel like filler tracks. Nonetheless, College Dropout is an outstanding achievement by one so normal to most of us yet so unique to his fellow rap peers.    … Expand
  87. thatguynamed20r
    Jun 12, 2011
    10
    Terrific album, lots of tracks make you nervous at first, thinking that it must lose it's stride along the way, but College Dropout delivers, it is a classic album, and in my opinion one of the best debut albums of all time. Kanye let's the audience get perspectives on life that are thoughtful and heart warming, my favourite track is spaceship. Kanye West rises to fame with this album forTerrific album, lots of tracks make you nervous at first, thinking that it must lose it's stride along the way, but College Dropout delivers, it is a classic album, and in my opinion one of the best debut albums of all time. Kanye let's the audience get perspectives on life that are thoughtful and heart warming, my favourite track is spaceship. Kanye West rises to fame with this album for a reason.… Expand
  88. marki-t_39
    Aug 17, 2011
    10
    Incredible, this is where it all started. So sit down and enjoy one of the greatest rappers on one of the greatest rap albums. classic.
    Then go out and have a listen to all his others, each being superb in their own individual ways.
  89. cztassie
    Apr 21, 2011
    10
    The best debut rap album of all time. get rich or die tryin is the only other one that comes close. a must have classic and my favorite rap album of all time 5.All eyez on Me
    4.The Chronic 2001
    3.Get Rich or Die Tryin
    2.The Eminem Show
    1.The College Dropout
  90. STRONGBONES
    Aug 8, 2011
    10
    Released on February 10, 2004, on Roc-A-Fella Records
    Kanye was not new to the rap scene, but with The College Dropout he introduced himself as not only as a dope
    producer but a talented rapper. Every track is pure Kanye gold; itâ
  91. Illmatic-NY
    Oct 7, 2011
    10
    absolutely a great album whoever says that this wasnt good should go commit suicide . this is kanyes most personal album and it showed. Pure genius one of the best rap albums ever
  92. 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.
  93. TeamRHi
    Jun 18, 2013
    10
    I have this album on vinyl, oh my oh my is it amazing. The soul samples sound great on warm vinyl and Kanye's lyrics were absent of bragging unlike his newer albums. The production on this album destroys everything else released during the 2000s and alone deserves the high praise this album has. The rapping is great too, Yeezy may not be the best rapper but he sure does have enough talentI have this album on vinyl, oh my oh my is it amazing. The soul samples sound great on warm vinyl and Kanye's lyrics were absent of bragging unlike his newer albums. The production on this album destroys everything else released during the 2000s and alone deserves the high praise this album has. The rapping is great too, Yeezy may not be the best rapper but he sure does have enough talent to carry the album with guests.… Expand
  94. TheWalrus2000
    Mar 11, 2013
    10
    Kanye West's first album is above one of the most strongest albums ever, creating meaningful and awesome rap songs that will never get old. Ever.
  95. thugnificent2
    Mar 9, 2013
    10
    IMO the best debut rap album of all time. the beats are insane, the album came out in a time where the world needed it the most, the lyrics are incredible and witty. this album is as good as mainstream/soul/r&b hip-hop gets
  96. ben_zo77
    Feb 4, 2014
    10
    College Dropout is, and always will be, a classic. It's perhaps the most industry-changing hip-hop album of all time. The entire album flows effortlessly, with fun, intelligent, and uplifting beats. This is the debut of a legend. ~ 9.6/10

    Best track: "Family Business"
    Other notable tracks: "Jesus Walks", "Through The Wire", "Last Call", "Never Let Me Down" & "All Falls Down"
  97. 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
  98. Aoi
    Oct 12, 2013
    10
    The soul samples and the socially concious lyrics make this one of my favourite albums of all time. Definitely a certified classic. Maybe breathe in breathe out could of been, err, trashed?
  99. jaxmcgraw
    Nov 5, 2013
    10
    Looking back on Kanye's discography, this album is definitely the most important. College Dropout gives his background and shows his purpose. This album touches on his struggle to become a musician, the wrongdoings of society, his dreams, and family. I cannot explain exactly what this album is and what it means to me; it is one you have to listen to yourself and find your own message fromLooking back on Kanye's discography, this album is definitely the most important. College Dropout gives his background and shows his purpose. This album touches on his struggle to become a musician, the wrongdoings of society, his dreams, and family. I cannot explain exactly what this album is and what it means to me; it is one you have to listen to yourself and find your own message from it. I have never heard an album that has vividly expressed one's inner struggle such as College Dropout does.… Expand
  100. imdajudgem8
    Jun 4, 2015
    10
    First album i am reviewing on metacritic, mainly because this album is truly a special album in hip-hop. With it's heartfelt samples and some great lyricism, Kanye West presents a masterpiece debut of an album. Only second to his raved about album, MBDTF, the College Dropout focuses on issues in contemporary life such as drugs, religion, consumerism and normal life. With some notableFirst album i am reviewing on metacritic, mainly because this album is truly a special album in hip-hop. With it's heartfelt samples and some great lyricism, Kanye West presents a masterpiece debut of an album. Only second to his raved about album, MBDTF, the College Dropout focuses on issues in contemporary life such as drugs, religion, consumerism and normal life. With some notable features, this is a must own for EVERYONE!… Expand
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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

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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.)
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  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.
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  3. Vibe
    80
    Delivers both ass-shakers and contemplative cuts.
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