ON KEY WITH RYAN

*I know it’s not Thursday but today’s the official 20th anniversary. :p*

There’s no better way to close out the month of August than by celebrating the 20th anniversary of Kanye West’s masterpiece, Late Registration. This project solidified Kanye’s role as not just a masterful producer but also a formidable rapper, allowing him to hold his own. As the second installment of his “college trilogy,” the album built upon the success of The College Dropout, proving that his debut was no fluke and that he was here to stay as a generational artist.

Late Registration is the result of a creative partnership between Kanye West and the brilliant film composer Jon Brion, best known for his work on Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. Kanye’s vision was to craft a more theatrical and orchestral soundscape, an album that would play out like a film. It all begins with a voice from comedian DeRay Davis, opening the world of a college student facing late registration, and from there, the album tells an entire story.

The project essentially follows a main character’s rise and fall, tracking their journey through college and life itself. It takes listeners from having nothing, to finding motivation, and gaining a sense of stability, reaching the top, and ultimately losing it all to start over again. The album delivers all of that emotional energy without a screenplay. This depth was also influenced by artists Kanye cited as inspirations, including Fiona Apple and Coldplay, which ultimately led to his collaboration with Chris Martin on the following album, Graduation.

The album displayed a more complex sound than its contemporaries, especially within the hip-hop genre. It featured lush orchestral arrangements with up to 20 pieces, heard on tracks such as “Late” and “Bring Me Down.” Kanye continued to wow fans with his masterful use of samples, pulling from a diverse range of artists including Gil Scott-Heron, Ray Charles, Etta James, and even Shirley Bassey’s “James Bond” theme, “Diamonds are Forever.” If it could be sampled, Kanye was going to do it. The album also showcased another side of Kanye’s genius by seamlessly bending and combining genres like pop, jazz, and cinematic scores.

For me, this album is the moment Kanye West truly comes into his own as a rapper. He proves his lyrical skill on tracks like “Diamonds from Sierra Leone,” where he doesn’t just talk about wealth but tackles the complex issue of the African blood diamond trade. While his production is always top-tier, this is an album where his voice is just as powerful as his beats.

The album explores a wide range of themes, from the moral judgments of capitalism to the personal trials of fame. On “Touch the Sky,” he raps about the difficult journey to success while still enjoying its triumphs. We also see his focus on broader societal issues and personal struggles, a recurring theme in his discography. The “Broke Phi Broke” skits and songs like “Heard ‘Em Say” brilliantly illustrate his personal struggle with money. Ultimately, the album feels deeply personal with emotionally driven songs like “Roses” and “Hey Mama,” giving us a full picture of the man behind the music.

The album delivered a mix of fascinating collaborations, bringing together a varied cast of characters. We saw both expected features, like Jay-Z and Mos Def, and more surprising appearances from Adam Levine and Cam’ron. For me, the most compelling collaboration was the the introduction of a future G.O.O.D. Music signee Lupe Fiasco on “Touch the Sky.” His explosive verse served as a preview of the talent that would soon join Kanye as a labelmate, making it one of the album’s most unforgettable moments.

Overall, Late Registration cemented its place as one of the greatest albums of its era. It was a massive critical and commercial success, debuting at number one on the Billboard 200 and earning eight Grammy nominations, and three wins including Best Rap Album. To this day, many consider it the magnum opus of Kanye West’s career and a true modern masterpiece. Its influence has truly withstood the test of time, with almost everyone still able to recognize the iconic lead single “Gold Digger” or the cinematic music video for “Touch The Sky”. I definitely recommend revisiting it for its anniversary two decades later.

My Personal Standout Tracks

• Heard ‘Em Say
• Touch The Sky
• Addiction
• Hey Mama
• Diamonds From Sierra Leone – Bonus Track