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Kanye West, the iconic rapper and music producer, has hinted that he is considering retirement from the music industry.
Ye made this declaration via a chat with Rich The Kid which the latter leaked on Instagram. “I’m retiring from music, Not sure what else to do” Kanye West declared simply via a text message to Rich The Kid.
With a career spanning over twenty years, Kanye West’s impact on the music scene is unparalleled. From groundbreaking albums that topped charts to innovative production techniques that reshaped the rap genre.
Kanye West became the first rapper to achieve a #1 song in three different decades. Outside of music, Kanye has also made a significant mark in the world of fashion through his own brand, Yeezy in collaboration with Adidas.
Known for his bold and unconventional style choices, he has influenced trends and redefined fashion norms. Ye, also made headlines with his bold nature and sometimes controversial statements and in politics particularly when Kanye announced his candidacy for President of the United States in the 2020 election but his bid did not gain substantial traction, and he did not win any electoral votes
In his announcement, Kanye hinted at a desire to focus more on other things such as his business ventures, philanthropic acts, and personal growth. With the recent news of his retirement, This serves as a moment to reflect on Kanye West’s Impact on the music world with his albums.
Five of Kanye West’s best albums
Kanye West had already garnered acclaim for his production skills, crafting beats for heavyweights like Jay-Z and other names in the industry before he ventured into releasing his projects. Here’s a look at five of his greatest albums
The College Dropout (2004)
Kanye’s debut album, “The College Dropout,” catapulted him to fame and established him as someone who deserved attention within the hip-hop world. Released on February 10, 2004, under Roc-A-Fella Records and Def Jam Recordings, the album marked the beginning of a transformative journey for West, both personally and professionally.
The album’s production gave birth to West’s signature “chipmunk soul” style, characterized by sped-up vocal samples from soul and R&B records, alongside his own drum programming, string arrangements, and soulful gospel choirs. Collaborations with Jay-Z, Mos Def, Jamie Foxx, Syleena Johnson, and Ludacris enriched the album, while Kanye’s lyrics explored family, self-awareness, materialism, religion, racial inequality, and the pursuit of higher education.
“The College Dropout” was praised for West’s innovative production, emotional lyricis, and his ability to make his weird thoughts socially acceptable. It won multiple awards, including the Grammy for Best Rap Album and numerous nominations, including Album of the Year, at the 2005 Grammy Awards. Rolling Stone and NME which ranked it among the greatest albums of all time.
Graduation (2007)
In 2007, Kanye West disrupted hip-hop with his third studio album, “Graduation” because it was a significant departure from his previous soul-infused sounds, embracing anthemic compositions inspired by stadium tours, house music, and indie rock.
“Graduation” really put Kanye West’s evolution as both a producer and lyricist on display. Artists like Dwele, T-Pain, Lil Wayne, and Chris Martin featured on the album.
Debuting at number one on the US Billboard 200, “Graduation” immediately captured the public’s attention, selling over 957,000 copies in its first week, eventually reaching over 7 million copies sold in the United States alone and earning quintuple platinum certification from the RIAA. The album earned Kanye his third Grammy Award for Best Rap Album and received nominations for Album of the Year
“Graduation”also made headlines for its historic sales rivalry with fellow rapper 50 Cent’s “Curtis,” sparking a beef that rocked the industry. The album is recognized as one of the best albums of 2007 by Rolling Stone and USA Today.
My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy (2010)
Kanye West released “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy,” his fifth studio album, in November 2010 and the album is arguably the one that best reflects Kanye West’s visionary production, with contributions from notable producers including Mike Dean, No I.D., Jeff Bhasker, RZA, Bink, and DJ Frank E.
Lyrically, the album delves deep into West’s controversial nature, exploring themes of celebrity, consumer culture and the allure of the American Dream. Collaborators such as Nicki Minaj, Rihanna, Jay-Z, Pusha T, Rick Ross, Kid Cudi, John Legend, Bon Iver, and Elton John added their vocal prowess to the album.
“My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy” topped numerous “Best of 2010” lists and earning accolades like Best Rap Album at the 54th Annual Grammy Awards. It stormed the charts, debuting at number one on the US Billboard 200 and the Canadian Albums Chart, while securing top 10 positions in multiple global markets.
Jesus Is King (2019)
Kanye West delivered a gospel project with his ninth studio album, “Jesus Is King,” in October 2019, under Def Jam Records and GOOD Music, the album marks a profound shift in West’s musical exploration, embracing gospel and Christian themes unlike anything in his repertoire before.
“Jesus Is King” album stands as Ye’s shortest album. The album packs a powerful punch with 11 tracks that showcase West’s newfound faith and musical transformation. Key singles include “Follow God” and “Closed On Sunday,” each resonating with themes of devotion and spiritual awakening.
Featuring collaborations with The Sunday Service Choir, Ant Clemons, Ty Dolla $ign, Fred Hammond, Clipse, and Kenny G, “Jesus Is King” blends contemporary rap with soul-stirring gospel melodies. The album achieved notable milestones, including winning a Grammy Award in 2021 and topping the Billboard 200 chart as West’s ninth consecutive number-one album.
Donda (2021)
Named after his late mother, Donda was released in 2021 as a tribute to her life and legacy. The album featured diverse collaborations and reflected Kanye’s emotional journey through grief and healing. As his final project under GOOD Music and Def Jam Recordings, “Donda” stands not just as a musical album, but as a testament to West’s relentless pursuit of artistic excellence and innovation.
Featuring a lineup of guest performances including The Weeknd, Jay-Z, Kid Cudi, and many others, “Donda” is a masterpiece that spans different music genres.
The album’s musical style blends elements of hip-hop, gospel, and progressive rap, infused with hints of trap and drill influences. It explores themes close to West’s heart, including his Christian faith, personal struggles, and reflections on family, notably his late mother Donda West and his then-estranged wife Kim Kardashian.
At the 2022 Grammy Awards, “Donda” earned nominations for Album of the Year and Best Rap Album and singles from the album,”Jail” and “Hurricane” clinched victories for Best Rap Song and Best Melodic Rap Performance, respectively at the prestigious award show.
Should Kanye West proceed to retire, he would be remembered for his legendary contributions to rap, hip-hop, and the general pop culture of the United States.
