Born on June 8, 1977, Kanye West is known as one of the most influential figures in music, full stop. While he’s also known for his fashion design and record production, his rap career is the most notable. West jump started this career by producing singles for numerous artists under Roc-A-Fella Records. He is responsible for developing the “chipmunk soul” sampling style and has displayed extreme innovation throughout his entire music career. In this article, I am going to dive deep into the discography of West from conception to now. I will be exploring the sound, featured samples, and success of each respective project. For the sake of this article being an article and not a book, I will only be diving into West’s solo studio albums. Singles, collaborations, and deluxe albums will be left by the wayside. With that being said, here is Kanye West’s discography, beginning to “end.”
The College Dropout
The College Dropout, released on February 10, 2004, is Kanye West’s debut studio album. The title is in reference to West’s personal experience with dropping out of school to pursue his music career. Released by Roc-A-Fella Records and Def Jam Recordings, The College Dropout is West’s best-selling album in the United States to this day. Taking four years to come to fruition, this is one of West’s most polished albums. The above mentioned “chipmunk soul” sampling style is heavily showcased throughout the project. “Chipmunk soul” features sped-up and pitch shifted vocal samples from various soul and R&B songs. This album is packed with said samples from many artists such as Marvin Gaye, Lauryn Hill, Luther Vandross, and more. The themes present in this album include organized religion, minimum wage labor, personal struggles, and more. Arguably the most notable song on the album, considering West’s jaw was wired shut during the recording, is the lead single “Through the Wire.” The song samples Chaka Khan’s 1985 single “Through the Fire” in the famous “chipmunk soul” style. The album went 4x platinum and won a Grammy for Best Rap Album in 2005. Considering this was West’s debut album, it was the launching pad for his career and its continued success is remarkable.
Late Registration
Released on August 30, 2005 by Def Jam Recordings and Roc-A-Fella Records, Late Registration is Kanye West’s second studio album. It is recognized for its eclectic and somewhat orchestral sound. West gets creative on this project with the inclusion of non-traditional hip-hop instruments such as the harpsichord and celesta. Many themes are showcased throughout the album, but most notably are the relationship between Christianity and capitalism, institutionalized racism, and higher education. Number one single “Gold Digger” is featured on this album and exists as the most popular single of West. Similar to his last album, Late Registration is filled with samples from artists such as Etta James, Curtis Mayfield, and more. The album went 4x platinum and hit #1 on the Billboard Top 200 in the US. Additionally, it is rated the #1 album of 2005 by Rolling Stone. Overall, this album is another extremely successful project from West. It doesn’t stop here.
Graduation
Graduation is the third studio album of Kanye West. It exists as the conclusion to the education reference throughout the titles of the first three albums. Released on September 11, 2007 this album steps away from traditional rap roots. West draws influence from prog-rock, euro-disco and synth-pop while also showcasing house elements. This album places an emphasis on the individual perspective of West and exists as an analysis of self. Interesting samples coming from several different genres of music are featured. These samples include artists Steely Dan, Michael Jackson, and arguably most notably, Daft Punk on the song “Stronger.” This album went 5x platinum (wow!) and won a Grammy for Best Rap Album of 2008. Featured on several “Best Album” lists, this is considered Kanye West’s best album.
808s and Heartbreak
Released on November 24, 2008, 808s and Heartbreak is Kanye West’s fourth studio album. This album is described as many things including electro-pop, synth-pop, and experimental R&B. Heavily explored throughout the album is the concept of heartbreak, hence the title. Whether it be heartbreak caused by breakup, existential crisis, or the loss of his mother, Donda (R.I.P), Kanye West is SAD and making music about it. This album differs vastly from his past projects, as it is more minimalistic and draws heavily on electronic elements. This album is lighter on the samples, but they are still present, as samples from Nina Simone and Patrick Doyle are featured. Paired with the heavy electronic influence are West’s flat and alien-like vocals. Said vocals are present on the extremely popular single “Heartless,” which went 6x platinum. This album hit #1 on the Billboard Top 200 charts and though it is not as successful as West’s first three albums, it is still widely revered.
My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy
My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, (what a mouthful) is Kanye West’s fifth studio album. Released on November 22, 2010, this album FUCKS. Featuring hip-hop epics and R&B ballads, this album is considered maximalist. Themes include excess, wealth, sex and romance, and escapism. Additionally, this album is packed with samples and features. Artists including Bon Iver, Nicki Minaj, and Rick Ross jumped on this album resulting in one of West’s most notable projects. The samples vary among genres, featuring artists such as Rick James, Smokey Robinson, and Black Sabbath. The album has placed #1 on several different “Top” and “Best” charts including Billboard, Pitchfork, and Rolling Stone. This album went 3x platinum and if you haven’t already guessed by the above statement, it is my favorite West album.
Yeezus
Released on June 18, 2013, Yeezus is one of Kanye West’s most experimental projects. The sixth studio album of West draws influence from many different genres including industrial, acid house, punk, and Chicago drill. This album is known for its abrasiveness and grime. Heavy distorted electronic sounds are featured throughout but are mixed with stylized vocals and interesting samples. Arguably the most interesting sample exists on “Blood on the Leaves,” as it is a sample from the song “Strange Fruit” performed by Nina Simone. Said sample very explicitly displays one of the major themes throughout the album, race relations in the US. Along with the just mentioned theme are the exploration of the moral decay of the celebrity and the systematic disenfranchisement of black people. While this is one of West’s lesser successful projects in terms of sales, it was loved by critics and still managed to go 2x platinum in the US. It holds the #1 slot on Time’s “Top 10 Albums of 2013” list and has aged very well, as the themes remain relevant today.
The Life of Pablo
The Life of Pablo is Kanye West’s seventh studio album. Released by GOOD Music on February 14, 2016 and distributed by Def Jam Records, this project went through many phases. Kanye fans will always remember the revolving door of titles and tracks associated with this project. Nevertheless, West was able to release the album. Described as many things such as gospel, avant-pop, and prog hip-hop, this is arguably the most disjointed album of West’s. The sound is all over the place and there are a variety of themes including faith, trust issues, and West’s role as a cultural figure. There are several features throughout the album and samples from Whodini, Ghostface Killah, and Aaliyah (R.I.P). The album received several award nominations and went 2x platinum. Despite the ever changing elements of the project, it is still widely enjoyed by West’s audiences and features some of his most popular songs.
ye
Released on June 1, 2018, ye is Kanye West’s eighth studio album. This is West’s shortest project and is often described as unfinished and abstract. The themes present in this album are some of the darkest that Kanye has ever explored through his music. Said themes are mental health crisis, homocidal and suicidal thoughts, as well as experimentation with psychedelic drugs. The album features samples from Slick Rick, Black Savage, and Shirley Ann Lee. There is only one featured artist, PARTYNEXTDOOR, and Kanye spends most of the album going into great detail about his personal experiences with mental health, relationships, and his fears and lifestyle choices. The album hit #1 on the US Billboard 200 and went platinum. While that is no small feat, this is one of West’s lesser successful albums.
JESUS IS KING
JESUS IS KING is West’s ninth studio album. Released on October 25, 2019, this album strays from his usual style and exists as a full blown gospel or Christian hip-hop project. This album is most notably different from West’s discography due to the lack of profanity or references to sex. The easily identifiable theme throughout the album is salvation through Christianity. Samples include music from A Tribe Called Quest and Two Door Cinema Club. This album went gold in the US and hit #1 on the Billboard 200. While this album came out fairly recently, it is the least successful project of Kanye’s to date.
Donda
Released on August 29, 2021 and named after West’s mother, Donda is the tenth and most recent studio album of Kanye West. This album has been described as hip-hop, gospel, prog-rap, and pop. West draws influence from trap, drill, boom bap, hip house, and rock throughout the project. Samples from Lauryn Hill, Mapei, and Briana Babineaux are present. There is a lot of controversy surrounding this album, as West includes features from artists who have been recently placed under negative light. Despite said features, this album almost immediately hit #1 on the US Billboard 200 and has already gone gold.
And that’s the end! Kanye West’s discography from 2004 to now. It is undeniable that West is one of the most innovative music artists of all time, despite the love-hate relationship that exists between him and the general population. He has paved the way for upcoming artists of various genres and has inspired many musicians with his unique style and sound. With all but one of his albums hitting #1 on the Billboard 200, it is safe to say that Kanye West is extremely successful not only because of his antics and image, but also because of his genuine talent. With that being said, I’m “Gone.”
No photos are mine. All come from: https://www.digitalartsonline.co.uk/features/illustration/kanye-west-album-covers-ranked-which-one-is-king/
Featured Image from: https://culturalhistoryoftheinternet.com/2020/11/13/kanye-west-artist-turned-meme/
Sources
https://archive.org/details/kanyewestinstudi00brow
https://archive.org/details/iconsofhiphopenc0000unse
https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/14880-my-beautiful-dark-twisted-fantasy/
https://www.allmusic.com/artist/kanye-west-mn0000361014/discography
https://www.complex.com/music/kanye-west-albums-ranked-best-to-worst/
