Blog entry by Phoebe Bowie
Kanye Omari West, the legendary artist, pushed the boundaries of creativity with the release of his cultural milestone, *the Graduation album*. Launched on September 11, 2007, *Graduation (2007)* was the third and final album in Kanye's college-themed series, following *Kanye’s College Dropout* and *Late Reg*.
The *Graduation* was more than just a musical project. Containing massive hits like *Can't Tell Me Nothing*, the album displayed his growing musical ambition, combining elements of electronic music with his signature rap style.
One of the most standout aspects of the *Graduation* is its artistic direction, designed by the famous Japanese artist the legendary Murakami. The *Graduation cover* displayed Kanye's symbolic bear, being launched into a brightly animated world. This blend of Kanye West posters cultural influence's musical direction and Murakami’s pop-art aesthetic represented Kanye's rise to global stardom.
Fans were impressed with the *Graduation album* for its progressive approach. Kanye teamed up with fellow artists like Daft Punk to engineer a sound that pushed musical boundaries. The result was an album that garnered widespread praise, but also set the stage for future hip-hop experiments.
One of the standout tracks on the album is *Stronger*, built around Daft Punk’s iconic *2001 classic Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger*. This hit single perfectly captured the genre-crossing experimentation. It instantly transformed into a chart-topping success, soaring up charts in various countries. The Stronger music video, directed by legendary director Hype Williams, showcased a cyberpunk world.
Another key highlight is *the feel-good anthem Good Life*, that included T-Pain’s signature auto-tuned vocals. The track is an ode to success, perfectly complementing the album’s themes of victory. The track became an instant fan favorite.
In terms of Kanye West street art prints’s words, *the Graduation album* explores ideas of ambition. Kanye speaks about his desire for validation, throughout the album looking inward. Songs like *Can't Tell Me Nothing* bring to light Kanye’s complex relationship with success.
*Graduation* was not just a game-changing release; it ushered in a transformation in Kanye's music. The album shaped his next artistic evolution, particularly 808s & Heartbreak.
*Kanye's Graduation* remains a influential album, continuing to inspire generations.