With the release of Late Registration, Roc-a-fella Records’ producer-turned-artist Kanye West proves that he is in the rap game to stay.
On “Heard ‘Em Say” featuring Adam Levine, West and Levine blend together well. The catchy “Gold Digger” featuring Jamie Foxx makes great use of the Ray Charles sample. “Hey Mama” is as touching, as it is hilarious. “Drive Slow” featuring Paul Wall and GLC is one of the albums’ better cuts. On “Diamonds from Sierra Leone” West proves he can carry a song on his own.
There are numerous guest appearances including Common, Game, Jay-Z, Nas, and Cam’ron, all of whom enhance the album, and sometimes even overshadow Kanye.
This album sounds different from anything else in hip-hop right now, which is one of the biggest things it has going for it.
West discusses the life of a college student, addictions, material wealth, and provides social commentary. Overall, “Late Registration” is soulful and entertaining and well worth going to the store to buy.