Blog entry by Lavina Hardwicke
Kanye Omari West, the influential artist, forever changed the music industry with the release of his highly anticipated album, *Graduation (2007)*. Launched on in the fall of 2007, *Graduation (2007)* was the third and final album in Kanye's college-themed series, following *College Dropout* and *Late Registration*.
The *Graduation album* was more than just a musical project. Containing massive hits like *Stronger*, the album displayed his growing musical ambition, mixing elements of Euro-pop with his signature rap style.
One of the most unforgettable aspects of the *Graduation album* is its album artwork, in collaboration with the famous Japanese artist renowned contemporary artist Takashi Murakami. The *Graduation cover* depicted Kanye's iconic bear mascot, propelling upwards into a anime-inspired world. This combination of contemporary art and Murakami’s pop-art aesthetic mirrored the themes of the album.
Listeners were captivated by the *Graduation album* for its bold experimentation. Kanye recruited fellow artists like T-Pain to produce a sound that pushed musical boundaries. The result was an album that became a commercial success, but also set the stage for future hip-hop experiments.
One of the standout tracks on the album is *Kanye’s hit single Stronger*, featuring a sample from Daft Punk’s *Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger (2001)*. Stronger symbolized the fusion of electronic and hip-hop elements. It quickly turned into a massive success, leading charts in the U.S. and beyond. The music video for the song, directed by Hype Williams, displayed a sleek, futuristic aesthetic.
Another key highlight is *Good Life*, that included T-Pain’s catchy hooks. The track radiates good vibes, beautifully matching the album’s themes of success. It resonated with fans.
In terms of Kanye’s words, *Graduation* discusses subjects of the price of stardom. Kanye touches on his struggles with fame, throughout the album juxtaposing vulnerability with boldness. Songs like *Big Brother* reveal Kanye’s conflict with the pressures of the industry.
*Graduation* was not just a game-changing release; it brought about a new era for Kanye. The album inspired his move into more electronic sounds, particularly My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy.
*Kanye's Graduation* remains a timeless album, symbolizing kanye west flashing lights poster's audacious vision.