Kanye West – Late Registration

Artist: Kanye West

Title: Late Registration

Label: Roc-A-Fella

Rating: 9/10

CORPORATE LINE: Close Your Eyes And Imagine…

“I’m depressed,” says Kanye West.

Strange, perhaps, for a 28-year-old who is arguably the most important creative force in hip-hop music today, recently named to Time Magazine’s list of the 100 most influential people in the world, but West – the perpetual underdog – is still fighting for his life, currently pitched in heated battle with the latest 800-pound gorilla in the corner: Himself. “It’s hard when people are depending on you to have an album that’s not just good, but inspired,” continues West. “I mean, my music isn’t just music – it’s medicine. I want my songs to touch people, to give them what they need. Every time I make an album, I’m trying to make a cure for cancer, musically. That stresses me out!”

THE GREAT:
“Heard ‘Em Say” – f/Adam Levine – A gorgeous song that were you to listen to it long enough you might be moved.
“Gold Digger – f/Jamie Foxx – First there is the surprise that Jamie Foxx can break off Ray Charles so well. The great thing about Kanye West is his ability to flow with wit.
“We Major” – f/Nas – A sexy beat that allows Kanye and Nas to float over it like angels.
“Drive Slow” – f/Paul Wall & GLC – The flavor is Pharcyde—and I’ve been waiting for something like this since those cats dropped their first record.
“Crack Music” f/Game – Without Chuck D. the world of hip-hop has suffered from a lack of politics—Kanye takes it head on. Sure it’s not as heavy as Public Enemy but thankfully someone in hip-hop tackles something more than guns and thugs.
“Addiction” – Addicting.
“Hey Mama” – A sweet song about his mother that sits atop one hell of an irresistible loop.

THE AVERAGE:
“Touch The Sky” – f/Lupe Fiasco – Not great, but then again better than most hip-hop tracks you’ll hear today. Should we use the average hip-hop scale or the Kanye West scale? On the average scale of hip-hop songs this would be great.

THE BAD: Nothing.

FRANKLY: Easily the best hip-hop record of the year. Actually it might be one of the best records of the year period. Kanye West has brought some excitement to hip-hop. He’s also brought brains, wit, and something unique that has been lost in hip-hop for ten years–spirit!

+ CC Morris