Kanye West: Best to Worst

Guy Gruppie, Jr.

Staff Writer

Perhaps one of mainstream music’s most polarizing figures has commenced the rollout for his newest full-length record, Jesus is King. Originally dubbed Yandhi, Kanye West’s ninth solo album will be released on Sept. 27. In preparation for the rapper’s newest entry into his already massive discography, we will be counting down his top five solo albums.

1. My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy (2010)

My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy serves as the follow-up to the highly controversial and widely rejected 808s & Heartbreak. It is a return to form for Kanye and his typical themes, once again fully embracing his classic sample-focused instrumentation and lyrical braggadocio. A superstar set of features including John Elton, Pusha T, Bon Iver, John Legend, and Jay-Z make stellar appearances throughout the length of the record. MBDTF is preached as a pivotal moment in Kanye’s career due to its legendary reception, and is a pinnacle of what the 2010 era of music in general has to offer. Nearly a decade after its release, the record has gracefully aged and still has heavy influence on mainstream rap.

2. ye (2018)

“You know I'm sensitive, I got a gentle mental. Every time something happens, they want me sent to mental,” Kanye West raps on the second-to-last track of his eighth solo album. Ye finds himself in the harsh midst of a psychedelic odyssey through the darkest corners of his psyche, presenting himself more vulnerable than ever before. Ye is not about the superstar music icon or the self-proclaimed “louis vuitton don,” the album explores the transformative endeavors of Kanye Omari West, a boy from a small town in Chicago, IL. Kanye West is imperfect, and he knows this, but he is as human as any of us.

3. College Dropout (2004)

College Dropout introduces us to Chicago native and former producer, Kanye West. All of Kanye’s success can be traced back to this record. Furthermore, its quality and

themes are mirrored in a number of different artist’s music to this day. Skits add character to the album, making it a far more cinematic and illustrious listening experience. Cuts like “We Don’t Care” and “Through The Wire” are perfect examples of how West’s songwriting oozes charisma and remains unique, while leaning on a golden-age production style. College Dropout is a time capsule into the golden era of Kanye’s generation’s music, and epitomizes the definition of a “classic record.”

4. Graduation (2007)

Fan-favorite album Graduation is Kanye West’s denouement of the “college” themed album trilogy, a series of albums that kindled his career and the appeal of it. The 2007 album has not aged particularly well, and sounds far more dated than his other albums. This is probably due to its release existing directly at the end of the ‘bling era’, a recognized era of hip-hop from the early to late 2000’s. Regardless, this is the third solid and memorable installment in his discography so far. After the record, Kanye has found himself as one of the most prominent figures in rap, and has amassed one of music’s most loyal and hungry fanbases. Graduation is a resplendent symphony of success, and the ignition of Kanye’s claim for the throne, having attained numbers that compete with pretty much any other name in the industry.

5. The Life of Pablo (2016)

The Life of Pablo’s announcement and release process were interesting to say the least. The album had several official title changes, song tweaks, and length adjustments in its infancy. What makes the record so interesting perhaps is the fact that it wasn’t even close to being finished at its release, but still managed to be a soulful and coherent album in its final form. Features, per the usual Kanye West album, thrive on TLOP, and Kanye West’s songwriting and themes loosely follow that of contemporary Gospel music. To Kanye fans who did not enjoy this album, I ask you: Where would Kanye West be today without hits like “Father Stretch My Hands, Pt. 1” and “Waves?” The structure and flow of the album is fine-tuned to the second. Interludes and short features are segways in The Life of Pablo from replayable and unique moments, to authentic, classic Kanye West music that we can all expect.