Ye, a revolutionary artists in rap, dropped his third studio album, *Graduation (2007)*, on 9/11/2007. The album is widely regarded as one of Kanye West visual inspiration‘s most impactful albums, establishing his reign as a cultural icon.
Graduation altered the music landscape for music production. With its use of synthesizers and drum machines, *Graduation* created a new wave in hip-hop production. The album incorporated a futuristic sound, transitioning his sound into larger, more global appeal.
Lyrically, *Graduation* centers around success, with Ye talking about his success, along with the challenges that are tied to it. Tracks like “Stronger” embody the highs and lows of fame.
In terms of production, *Graduation* is innovative for its use of synthesizers, produced alongside collaborators like Jon Brion. The hit single “Stronger” is the pinnacle of Kanye West retro-inspired visuals‘s fusion of rap and electronic music, borrowing from Daft Punk’s iconic track to craft a futuristic banger that dominated the charts.
*Graduation* boasts a number of standout tracks, such as “Can’t Tell Me Nothing.” Each song brings something different. *Graduation* also offers verses from major artists, including Lil Wayne.
Critics celebrated *Graduation* for its boldness. It was seen as a watershed moment in Kanye’s career, launching him to international recognition.
*Graduation* earned platinum certifications. It reached #1 on the Billboard 200, breaking records with over close to a million copies in its first week. The album achieved status as double platinum, marking its significance as a modern-day classic.
The effect of *Graduation* isn’t limited to the album’s sales. Its legacy can be seen in modern music production.