Finally! I finished a long over due review worth the wait. What can I say about KanYe you don’t already know? The Dude’s done come up in the world in a major way… (didn’t he just beat 50’s “Curtis” album out in sales?!?) and with all of the negative publicity surrounding his tantrums towards MTV and his ego trips… we’re not here to review his personal life, it’s his music that’s the upside to his personality and how it effects Hip-hop as a whole. One thing I will mention that’s been the topic at hand for several weeks now is his personal beef with MTV and not winning any “Moonman” awards… Ye already knows this… and I’m sure fans will agree, He doesn’t need an MTV award to proclaim how dope he is. We all know KanYe has some of the best beats in the business and yeah, it’s disappointing, but MTV doesn’t justify who and what heads should listen to. The world already knows- that’s why “Graduation” sold a grip of records… and so goes the title… “Graduation.” KanYe’s grown up album or the maturity to harness a quality album everyone can appreciate. I got peeps from my Mom, Engineers at work to thugs on the street… even my little nephew that copped KanYe’s album.

Welcome to “Graduation” proclaims the intro track “Good Morning.” Think of it as an introduction speech prior to commencement… the beat is hot and Ye’s voice is commanding. There’s something about KanYe’s beat patterns on “Champion” and how he flips it that makes it so inspiring… the beat is upbeat and the sampling is reminiscent to past singles like Common’s “Testify.” KanYe’s current single (co-produced by Timbaland) “Stronger” is a crowd pleasing success. The Daft punk voice samples is treated like an chopped up electronic beat that is incredibly dope and creative. I’m lovin’ it! His other 2 chart topping tracks “Good Life” and “Can’t tell me nothing” is KanYe at his finest ,both on the production boards and lyrics. “Good Life” is straight up feel good music. I wish it had come out a little bit earlier for that summertime anthem bump. It just feels good to listen to “The Good Life” and I can’t be mad at T-Pain, he did his thing. “Can’t tell me nothing” (and it’s video) is off the hook. A personal track blistering hard lyrics with Ye spittin’ some knowledge and edjucating cats. “Barry Bonds” is a show stealing track that features a hungry Lil’ Wayne on the mic while Mos Def’s “Drunk and hot girls” is one of the weaker tracks on the album… c’mon Mos, step it up! The track was uninspiring.

Closing on n the end of the album “Flashing Lights” feat. Dwele should be KanYe’s next single… as it bears a club topping beat over thought provoking lyrics. The single is strong and takes it to another level while DJ Premier swings by and scrathes his way over the biographic “Everything I am” another hot track. While “The Glory” and “Homecoming” are okay tracks you’d come to expect near the end of an album, “Big Brother” is a toast to KanYe’s peers as he gives major props to heads like No I.D., Jay-Z and Dame Dash giving shouts and thanks to his success.

Ego aside, KanYe West has done a lot for Hip-Hop. He’s rewarded fans with incredible back to back albums we thought we’d never see in mainstream media. He’s rewarded himself by living the Good life many only wish they can grasp. He’s bridged gaps between various listeners and how quality records should be made and cater to such a huge following. The guys got an expensive taste in everything… It’s all part of the package when you sign your way into the music industry. Though “Graduation” spand only 13 tracks, I’d have to say 10 of em’ are solid. You don’t get that very often in any album from any genre. The album’s short, but bitter sweet. While KanYe’s lyrics are sub par compared to his beats, his production has first and foremost been the upside to all of his releases. don’t get me wrong “KanYe can rhyme” (big ups to art chemist on that one!) He’s proved it time and time again.

If you haven’t seen em… Video’s from The Graduation LP

Stronger

“The Good Life”

“Can’t tell me nuthin’”

The Tracks…

1. Good Morning
2. Homecoming (Featuring Chris Martin)
3. Stronger
4. Champion
5. Good Life (Featuring T-Pain)
6. I Wonder
7. Even More Broke Phi Broke (Skit)
8. Can’t Tell Me Nothing
9. Drunk and Hot Girls (Featuring Mos Def)
10. Evrything I Am (Scratches By DJ Priemier)
11.Good Night (Featuring Mos Def & Al Be)
12. Big Brother

If you got the preorder edition… consider yourself lucky!
13. Graduation (Skit)
14. The Glory
15. CRS (Featuring Lupe Fiasco and Pharrell) [Pre-Order Only]