I did not expect much when I ripped this album from a friend. Kanye West cranks out some serious social commentary mixed with some thug-charged rapper posturing that makes you rewind as you think, “Did he just say what I think I said?”

What sets him apart from the chart-topping rappers out right now is his candidness. He weaves a story of a bright, college-bound kid who gave it all up to be a rap superstar and pulled it off. The skits from the Flat Broke Rappers really pull the album together and make you laugh. This is the best rap album to come out since Outkast put out Speakerbox/The Love Below. Kanye throws out all of the standard conventions and makes an interesting listen. The beats and the production value are top notch and carry his rhymes.

“Diamonds of Sierre Leone,” “Hey Mama,” “Touch the Sky,” and “Crack Music” are instant classics. I’m tired of the “Gold Digger” song, but, admittedly, its brilliant.

I’ve been listening to this again lately since his mom died. West gives big props to his mom through out the album, and she’s getting buried in Oklahoma City, so I’m even more interested. A very good CD, I’d like to check out the new one. I love the quirky nature to all his albums.

I’m not usually a fan of hip-hop, but I really did quite enjoy this album. My favourite track is actually the Diamonds From Sierra Leone Bonus Track. The sort of hip-hop I usually enjoy is things like Mos Def, and Roots Manuva, but I do rate Kanye West.

Personally, I think it’s a good CD; his take on sisters who take child support for children of dubious paternity(“Goldigger”),the plight of young children working in diamond mines in Africa,(“Diamonds are Forever”),you know that this is one for the records; The only sad thing is it got beat out by Mariah and others at the Grammys; yet the fact that he got the nod and had folks jamming makes it a noteworthy CD and look forward to his next offering;

Read my review here:
http://askani97.blogspot.com/2005/09/kanye-west-late-registration.html