The debut that broke the gangsta-rap mould with soul samples, humour and middle-class anxiety. Warm and witty, it announced a major new voice in production and persona. Still his most likeable record. The debut or early record that set the template.
On vinyl: A CD or digital version may be easier to track down, but reissues do appear.
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Tracks from this album on our lists
- Jesus Walks on Best 2000s Hip-Hop Songs
We don't reproduce full tracklists — only the songs from this record we've featured in our best-of lists.
More from Kanye West — where to go next
If you have The College Dropout, these are the Kanye West records worth reaching for next.
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1
808s & Heartbreak2008 · Hip-HopStart here
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2
The College Dropout2004 · you're viewing this oneClassic
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3
Late Registration2005 · Hip-HopClassic
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4
Graduation2007 · Hip-HopClassic
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5
My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy2010 · Hip-HopClassic
If you like The College Dropout, try
MadvillainyMadvillain
Mm..FoodMF DOOM
A Grand Don't Come for FreeThe Streets
Get Rich or Die Tryin'50 Cent
The Massacre50 Cent
BeCommon