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. SergioV
    May 30, 2016
    8
    77/100. Amazing soul feel to this whole album, some tracks bring it down, but there are plenty more that bring it way, way up. The best tracks are "Through the Wire", "All Falls Down", "Family Business", "Spaceship" and "Jesus Walks".
  2. FruitJuice
    Jul 17, 2017
    8
    classic............................................................................................................................................................
  3. jakemoss2011
    Dec 12, 2018
    8
    theres a reaon i think kanye is the best modern artist, and its not because of this album. to be clear i love this album, its excellent and elevated the hip hop scene, its just not as deep or innovative as some he would release later. the impliicit critiques of culture and the course rich white men lay out for the less fortunate is pretty damn genius, i love the theme of higher educationtheres a reaon i think kanye is the best modern artist, and its not because of this album. to be clear i love this album, its excellent and elevated the hip hop scene, its just not as deep or innovative as some he would release later. the impliicit critiques of culture and the course rich white men lay out for the less fortunate is pretty damn genius, i love the theme of higher education and the joyless liffe it leads to in the form of an office or a slightly bigger office. good job kanye… Expand
  4. Nickogo
    Jul 13, 2019
    8
    Debiutancki album Kanye'go Westa na którym ukazuje się jako młody, ambitny i zabawny Amerykanin, który podchodzi do tego co robi bez żadnych kompleksów. I chociaż nie jest wyjątkowo uzdolnionym raperem, to pod względem produkcji i charakteru ten album wynosi gatunek na zupełnie nowe tory. "The College Dropout" to album hip hopowy z soulową duszą, który nie zwalnia, nie zakopuje się wDebiutancki album Kanye'go Westa na którym ukazuje się jako młody, ambitny i zabawny Amerykanin, który podchodzi do tego co robi bez żadnych kompleksów. I chociaż nie jest wyjątkowo uzdolnionym raperem, to pod względem produkcji i charakteru ten album wynosi gatunek na zupełnie nowe tory. "The College Dropout" to album hip hopowy z soulową duszą, który nie zwalnia, nie zakopuje się w formułach, ale ciągle zaskakuje. Zabawne skity, dziecięce chórki, **** na temat edukacji, palenie i kobiety, a obok religia i rasizm, piosenka-skecz w stylu eminema itd. Cały album ma 76 minut i nie pozwala się nudzić. To spore osiągnięcie przy takiej ilości materiału.

    Trudno nie wspomnieć o sprawie najbardziej istotnej kiedy mówimy o "College Dropout", a mianowicie gigantycznym wpływie jaki miał on na cały gatunek. Tak jak pojawienie się Beatlesów dla rock'n'rolla czy Nirvany dla alternative rocka, tak pojawienie się Kanye Westa przeobraziło hip hop. W 2004 roku hip hop zdominowany był przez przerysowanego Eminema i 50 centa, ulicznych gangsta oraz alternatywę, którzy nie za bardzo wiedzieli jak zrobić z hip hopu muzykę, która będzie mogła bez kompleksów konkurować w mainstreamowym kotle i wciąż zachować swoją odrębność i korzenie. W tym momencie pojawia się Kanye West, który miesza uliczne kredo z soulowymi samplami, masą specyficznego humoru i rozbrajającą szczerością. Na mieszance jaką jest College Dropout nikomu nie wydaje się dziwne, że obok piosenki o dilerce narkotykami pojawia się utwór o rodzinnych spotkaniach. Spojenie masy motywów poprzez szczerość i humor to największy sukces tego albumu. Coś co było ówcześnie nie do pomyślenia i zmieniło sposób w jaki 'się to robi'.    … Expand
  5. drepoo
    Feb 23, 2020
    8
    Incredible debut, good production with awesome lyrics. Despite the workout songs and the boring tracks like Slow Jamz and Breathe in Breathe out, still my favorite album by Kanye
  6. The-X-Territory
    Jan 24, 2021
    8
    An awesome album, a great way of entering the rap scene. With great songs like We Don't Care, Spaceship, Slow Jamz, this album is more than enough evidence for Kanye's great musical talent.
  7. Hendo250
    Mar 29, 2021
    8
    this album is a 8 this album is a 8 this album is a 8 this album is a 8 this album is a 8
  8. ahocks
    Dec 8, 2022
    8
    Primeiro trabalho do YE q escuto, e pqp, q negocio bom, apesar de alfgmas bem meia boca, nao dexa de ser uma experiecnia incrivel
  9. Thiago_klg
    Aug 31, 2021
    8
    Esse álbum revela a genialidade do Kanye como produtor. De todo esse tempo em que eu escuto hip-hop, poucas vezes eu senti uma produção tão boa que praticamente engolia a obra. E sem contar com os as participações muito bem colocadas e o trabalho melódico muito bem feito.
  10. shubhamkarande
    Jan 15, 2022
    8
    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
  11. sodovich
    Dec 25, 2021
    8
    A great one, features an most classical hip hop style, which makes me happy with the final product. Definitely worth listening.
  12. 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
  13. garfield7081
    Mar 25, 2022
    8
    great debut album and solid start to kanye's discography

    best song: spaceship

    worst song: last call
  14. JamesJennings
    May 2, 2022
    8
    Absolutely fantastic, laid the groundwork for what was to come in Kanye West's career. A lot of classic tracks and great soulful beats by the man himself. An essential album to be sure.
  15. Blonisco
    Jan 26, 2023
    8
    制作堪比MBDTF，the new workout plan弦乐出来的时候把我惊艳到了，只不过有一些曲子确实没get到，下面凑字数anu3913791372
  16. ArturoJr
    Feb 10, 2023
    8
    Seguido del de The Doors, considero a este álbum el mejor debut que ha tenido un artista.
  17. 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..
  18. 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 :(
  19. Ricko
    Aug 16, 2012
    7
    I can't claim to be a big fan of hip hop/rap. I won't go out and buy a record from this genre, but occasionally someone will pass me an album and I'll give it a listen and enjoy it. I like a lot of Jay-Z's stuff. Kanye West is another rapper who I can listen to. This, his debut is a strong record, got some great backing tracks going on and some really clever rhymes going on. The productionI can't claim to be a big fan of hip hop/rap. I won't go out and buy a record from this genre, but occasionally someone will pass me an album and I'll give it a listen and enjoy it. I like a lot of Jay-Z's stuff. Kanye West is another rapper who I can listen to. This, his debut is a strong record, got some great backing tracks going on and some really clever rhymes going on. The production is superb. I do have a gripe about couple of the tracks though. I don't mind the occasional use of the F word, at times it will heighten or emphasise an emotion or sentiment but I don't understand the need for excessive F-bombs and motherfing all over the shop one a few of the tracks here. It's pointless, ruins an otherwise very clever record and just conforms to stereotype. This guy is articulate enough to get his point across without resorting to gutter language. I guess that's just a feature of the genre but at times really turns me off.… Expand
  20. clem666
    Sep 19, 2021
    7
    Groovy tracklist, iconic songs and quotable lines pave this notable album. It's a true delight to witness Kanye balance between the many roles he manages to endorse; he rarely is unnuanced. During this long LP he declines many flaws of school and its consequences with funny, memorable and colourful bars. If the length feels too much for the standards of today (2021) we still can saluteGroovy tracklist, iconic songs and quotable lines pave this notable album. It's a true delight to witness Kanye balance between the many roles he manages to endorse; he rarely is unnuanced. During this long LP he declines many flaws of school and its consequences with funny, memorable and colourful bars. If the length feels too much for the standards of today (2021) we still can salute Kanye for inviting many meaningful artists to his party, as Jay-Z, Common and Mos Def. They all bring a bit more depth and versatility in the process of the album. Skits are funny but unfortunately let few room for replayability and soon become skippable and untasty. Some songs also appear to be dull fillers but however contribute to these unmissable 2000's feels. The last track 'Last Call' has a very specific energy I love: a long story-telling, great beat, amazing instrumentals (and especially the trumpet from the middle of it). Interesting production all along.… Expand
  21. thepes
    Nov 29, 2020
    7
    7/10

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  22. DankyM
    Nov 21, 2005
    6
    lame lame lame............................it is good to see some kind of diversity in mainstream hip hop but come on when you put it against the other rap album released that year Madvillainy. Boy in da corner Grey Album it aint nothing
  23. andyn823
    Jun 28, 2020
    6
    Kanye's great debut album. This album defines who Kanye should be and the personality Kanye should have.
  24. Cope
    Jul 4, 2005
    5
    Has some good beats, and listenable subject matter. However, the sped up soul jacks (beats) get tiresome and receive way more credit than they deserve. Kanye's lyrical ability is non-existant, though you can pretend like you're not listening.
  25. DanK
    Apr 25, 2005
    5
    Kanye is ruining hip-hop. He has some fly lyrics, but he shadows them my trying to appeal to people who just listen to the beats. If he's gonna make a rap album, he should make a rap album, not push his producing career.
  26. KeithG
    Apr 25, 2012
    5
    There are good moments here, but the album is rarely great. Kanye demonstrates his incredible creativity as a producer, but he lacks the vocal tone to be a great rapper. His voice always feels a little stilted. On the two best tracks - "Spaceship" and "Two Words" - West must rely on others to supply many of the best rhymes.
  27. Xellophone
    Oct 25, 2019
    5
    Great first album, nothing else to say lalallalalalalalalalalaalalalallalalala
  28. RaulT
    Sep 6, 2005
    3
    I think his rap is trash its not what he truely feels. He doesnt rap about real life like JAy z and Nas
  29. labadc
    Feb 18, 2004
    3
    Lyrically, dude is wack. I think that hip hop fans are soooo starved for somthing that is against the norm (bling bling, money, cars clothes) that when someone comes along with something slightly different they jump on it. Unfortunately sampling an entire song, speeding it up, and placing mediocre lyrics on top doesn't not a classic make. While I'm glad West doesn't talk Lyrically, dude is wack. I think that hip hop fans are soooo starved for somthing that is against the norm (bling bling, money, cars clothes) that when someone comes along with something slightly different they jump on it. Unfortunately sampling an entire song, speeding it up, and placing mediocre lyrics on top doesn't not a classic make. While I'm glad West doesn't talk about the typical things that most rappers do, he is still inevitablely wack.… Expand
  30. Jeff
    Mar 28, 2004
    2
    The fact that Kanye does not rap about money and cars and bling bling does not mean he is a "pioneer" as some choose to call him. This album is a big dissapointment, since it was expected to be one of the best hip hop albums this year. It's boring, uninspired, and unoriginal with songs about drug dealing and beating up your manager...it's all been said before.
  31. jaimea
    Feb 14, 2004
    1
    rehashed, uninivated,....boring!
  32. Finfrosk
    Sep 24, 2005
    1
    Kanye sucks. What the hell is wrong with everyone, saying this is such a good album? It's just incredibly, mindblowingly, fantasticly boring! OH my god it's so boring! It has one song with a few good rhymes, but I don't remember the title, and I don't really care!
  33. college-search
    Apr 12, 2013
    1
    schoolanduniversity.com Sensational media stories about millionaire drop-outs miss one thing: The vast majority of America's 30 million college dropouts are more likely to gain more.
  34. MikeMulaney
    Nov 19, 2020
    1
    Generic music, nothing special, typical Kanye egomania top to bottom, not worth the time.
  35. DEWER
    Nov 28, 2010
    0
    I also think his rap is trash its not what he truly feels. He is a poser trying to fake it. A pretender out for bucks, not interested in his fans or the messages contained it it.
  36. JaneMetascore
    Dec 18, 2019
    0
    The first time it played sounded worse expected. The vocals fall flat. The CD doesn't have to skip to have skips. As a debut its sounds were poor. The skits are annoying and dull. The album sounds very poor on vinyl. As a change in music, it's a very poor change.
  37. Sermanson2002
    Jan 23, 2020
    0
    Parece ser que ahora se vota con poca puntuacion los albumes que creemos que nos lo merercen.
    Gracias fans de Kanye
  38. ArkodeepSen
    Jan 24, 2020
    0
    Even Lil pump's Harvard dropout is better than is Kanye crap. One of the worst artists the world will ever see.
  39. Fra101
    Aug 30, 2021
    0
    It's such a boring album! That's all, just boring, nothing special. Sorry...
  40. amertume
    Jul 28, 2020
    0
    Weak album, built solely on Kanye's ego as usual. All the hype around it falls flat.
  41. anapopescu
    Sep 13, 2020
    0
    If there is any artist in the music industry that is too hyped that is Kanye West and this album is an example of just that.
  42. JohnSnow41188
    Oct 2, 2020
    0
    Unoriginal work, it feels like Kanye was trying to hard but the results did not pay out.
  43. bushyforest
    Oct 23, 2020
    0
    The album brings nothing special, just another attempt to say something original without the power to follow through with it.
  44. Anke51
    Jan 6, 2021
    0
    What a fitting name for an album that seems unfinished and subpar. Disappointing and boring.
  45. somaontv
    Jul 18, 2023
    0
    Didn't think i would like this album going into it since i've never really been a fan of Rap but wow did this totally surpass my expectations some real classics are on this album
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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 »