Reflections: The College Dropout

In his debut album, The College Dropout, rapper Kanye West demonstrates a wide range of ability and emotion. He draws inspiration from his own life to produce a collection of songs that compliment each other and add to a collective message. West accomplishes his goal of exposing society’s falseness in many arenas, from academia to the dating game. However, it’s his honesty and openness when conveying this theme that take The College Dropout to a new level.
As hinted in the album’s name, West questions the purpose of the institution of college. In “All Falls Down,” he tells the story of a young single mother who knows her degree is of little help, yet she pays tuition to attain it until finally deciding to drop out. She leaves school because she can make more money cutting hair. The Snippet, “Lil Jimmy Skit” further exposes the truth behind the allure of higher education. Lil Jimmy’s father died, and all he’s left with is a series of degrees his father earned while failing to make money. West points out that degrees are worth little if nothing (concrete) is gained from them.
Besides questioning the value of college, West confronts the walls we build between society and ourselves. Frequently, we buy fancy things not because we need them, but to flaunt our wealth. Admitting that he too practices this behavior, West goes on to attribute it to the impact of society’s harshness, especially on African Americans. West makes his listeners think about the effect so many failed promises has on a group of people. In “All Falls Down,” West states, “We trying to buy back our 40 acres/And for that paper, look how low we a’stoop/Even if you in a Benz, you still a nigger in a coupe.” This line, a reference to the pre-Civil War forty acres promise made to slaves, provides a source for the African American community’s fascination with bling and exposes the mindset ingrained in black Americans.
These tracks precede “Spaceship,” a song that focuses on escape. In its chorus, West repeats the lines, “I’ve been working this graveshift.../Wish that I could buy me a spaceship and fly.” This outcry for escape relates to many listeners, and introduces a source for the anger displayed in the track that follows it. In “Jesus Walks,” West focuses on God and the strength he receives from his religion. West has often felt the need to run away, and religion helps him get through his struggles. While the focus on God will relate to many, needing a source of hope resonates with all.
West follows these serious songs with a relaxed track. “The New Workout Plan,” is introduced by a snippet of two girls discussing a workout tape. The content of their conversation highlights their silly behavior when attracting a male. West uses sarcasm when he instructs his listeners to, “...give head and check your weave” along with, “...put in work/eat your salad no dessert.” The song is upbeat and fun to listen to once you realize West is making a mockery of the way in which women degrade themselves to attract a male.
The album ends in a reflective manner, with West focusing on family and his journey to becoming an artist. “Family Business” is one of the most powerful songs on the album, due to its universal relevance. In the chorus, the words, “all that glitters is not gold” are spoken in a voice that sends chills down the listener’s spine as the truth of the sentiment sinks in. Listening to West speak of his loyalty to his imprisoned cousin causes us examine the importance of family in our own lives. He concludes his work with “Last Call,” a song in which he celebrates his success, reflects on his past, and boosts his credibility with a cameo from Jay-Z. It’s the perfect way to end a complete album, and leaves listeners reflecting on the themes presented throughout the work.
Overall, The College Dropout is a masterful debut album that demonstrates West’s range as an artist. In only twenty one tracks (including snippets), he covers every emotion from sadness to silliness, and does so in an intelligent and thoughtful way. The brilliance of The College Dropout lies in West’s honesty, as he admits to practicing many of the behaviors he mocks in its songs. His confession makes it impossible for him to be labeled a hypocrite, as he instead made himself into one of the most relatable rappers in the public eye. While the piece doesn’t leave its listeners yearning for more, it leaves them curious as to what West will create in the future.