Artist spotlight: Kanye West - Sounding off: for the latest and hottest in Black music!

Ebony, March, 2004

With the release of COLLEGE DROPOUT (Roc-A-Fella Records), Kanye West shows that he is more than just one of the hottest hip-hop producers and songwriters in the business. He is also a chart-topping recording artist and dynamic performer, as evident on hits like "Through the Wire" from his eagerly anticipated debut.

The recording is packed with jams, including collaborations with Jay-Z, Mos Def, Freeway, Ludacris, Common and Twista, who delivers supersonic rap to complement Jamie Foxx's vocals on the soulful "Slow Jam." Also featured are hip-hop violinist Miri Ben-Ari and R&B pianist/vocalist John Legend. The CD is hot, a must-have.