'College Dropout' debuts summa cum laude

When Jay-Z, co-founder of Roc-A-Fella Records, signed producer Kanye West, he knew West wanted to be a rapper too. But Jay later admitted, "I didn't know he could rap this well…"\nThe College Dropout is an instant classic, and one of the most complete, game-changing hip-hop albums in years. \nProducers who make their own records are nothing new. Super-producers such as Timbaland, Dr. Dre, the Neptunes and Mannie Fresh are all examples, but none of these folks' albums have had as much impact as the work they've done working with other artists. \nNo rapper/producer, not Timbaland, not even Dr. Dre's The Chronic and 2001, have as well-rounded an album, complete with innovative rhyme schemes, delivery and most importantly, relevance.\nUntil now. \nWest is known for his production with everyone from Jay-Z to Talib Kweli to Alicia Keys. But his own record matches -- and even exceeds -- the endless string of hits he's created with these other artists in the past two years. \nWest's versatility, in beats and in rhymes, is an unparalleled combination. Known for putting soul back in hip-hop, West also successfully produces a hardcore sound on tracks "Get Em High" and "Breathe in Breath Out." \nDespite guest spots from Jay-Z, Ludacris, Twista, Talib Kweli, Mos Def and Common among others, it's West's raps that personify The College Dropout (unlike Dre's records, which would hardly be considered classics without heavy emphasis on features -- aka Snoop Doggy Dogg). The message and delivery on "All Falls Down" will make each label that turned him away thinking his raps couldn't possibly match-up to his beats question their sanity. \nWhen Jay-Z left rap last fall, one of the reasons was the strength of his Rock-A-Fella roster. What's ironic is West's innovation and inspiration may very well end up luring him back.