![]() “Late Reg.” was a rap album so groundbreaking that the crevices it created expanded into artistic avenues from which artists unabashedly continue to draw from. Thus, this album can not only be deemed a greater confirmation of Kanye’s proficiency as an envelope-pushing artist but simultaneously one that cultivated the seemingly unfiltered political voice he boasts today. ‘Ye disrupted the norm on his sophomore release with Picasso-esque chutzpah, ultimately declaring his arrival as hip-hop’s next great one. While the brash conceit and misogynistic views that currently define ‘Ye’s modern day persona do make a brief, yet unfortunate appearance on “Late Reg.,” we moreso find ‘Ye consumed with tackling issues such as global child labor laws (“Diamonds”) and racial inequality (“We Can Make it Better”). On “Late Reg.,” ‘Ye took a unique avenue toward relative audacity whilst bypassing the hostility of 2005’s hip-hop scene and rather opting for cheeky, candid lyrical expression underscored by soulful influences with orchestral textures. Contrary to traditional belief this did not come by way of a reckless remark directed toward a particular commander-in-chief, but rather through ‘Ye concocting an album in “Late Registration,” which effectively navigated beyond the strict boundaries of hip-hop in the era. It only took two albums for Kanye to assert himself as the most disruptive force in pop culture. ![]() ![]() Late Registration (2005) – “The affirmation of arrival” Courtesy of Noisey Lyrics from tracks like “Family Business” and “Last Call” help the audience to not only view Kanye in a humble, ambitious light, but also lays the groundwork for Kanye’s musical development. ![]() Despite the production being incredibly well-mastered, it is clear that Kanye is still refining his craft as a lyricist. I’ve got something better than school, but don’t tell anybody.” In retrospect, Kanye is setting up his entire career with those bars. I’m about to break the rules, but don’t tell anybody. On the third track of the album, “Graduation Day,” we can hear the ambition bleeding out of Kanye’s lyrics after the dramatic skit with John Legend singing, “I’m no longer confused, but don’t tell anybody. At the time, hip-hop was dominated by gangster rap, and “College Dropout” offered listeners a refreshing, light-hearted breath of air. The tracks are packed with down-to-earth topics many young adults struggle with: materialism, ambition, religion, family and independence. If you ever wanted to fully understand Kanye’s goals and ambitions, this is the album to listen to. The College Dropout (2004) – “An artist’s first stroke” Courtesy of Complex Both of these characters serve to reflect the contrasting elements of Kanye’s persona. The themes of “Picasso” and “Escobar” were inspired by ‘Ye’s latest work, “The Life of Pablo” - “Picasso,” referring to famed artist, Pablo Picasso and “Escobar,” referencing infamous Colombian drug lord, Pablo Escobar. One that examines each of Kanye’s solo projects in chronological order, assesses their cultural significance and acknowledges both ‘Ye’s genius and shortcomings throughout his various epochs. This piece is not your standard album rankings drivel, but rather an assessment. What emerged from that discussion was the following article. Recently, a few of the most devoted Church of Kanye worshippers at the Highlander gathered and discussed the career of the Lord and Savior himself, Kanye West.
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