The College Dropout is the debut studio album by the American rapper and record producer Kanye West. It was released on February 10, 2004, by Def Jam Recordings and Jay-Z's Roc-A-Fella Records. In the years leading up to release, West had received praise for his production work for rappers such as Jay-Z and Talib Kweli, but faced difficulty being accepted as an artist in his own right by figures in the music industry. Intent on pursuing a solo career, he signed a record deal with Roc-A-Fella and recorded the album over a period of four years, beginning in 1999.
The College Dropout
Violinist Miri Ben-Ari contributed to seven tracks.
Graffiti depicting the Dropout Bear
Ye is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, record producer, and fashion designer. A subject of widespread controversy and public interest, West is a significant figure in contemporary pop culture.
West in April 2009
West received early acclaim for his production work on Jay-Z's The Blueprint. The two are pictured here in 2011.
West in Portland in December 2005 as a supporting act for U2 on their Vertigo Tour
West performing in 2008