Before Kanye West wowed us with his debut album, College Dropout, he produced established artists like Jay-Z and Alicia Keys. But West's production prowess pales next to his sophomore effort, Late Registration.
The two singles, "Diamonds from Sierra Leone" and "Gold Digger," are perfect examples of West's indecision -- he doesn't separate comedy from philosophy.
The album begins with a spoof on Cedric the Entertainer's Barbershop character then leads into "Hear 'em Say." With a back beat that fuses Camille Saint-Saëns and hip-hop beats, the song features Maroon 5 lead singer Adam Levine. "Gold Digger," Registration's fourth track, features actor Jamie Foxx. Levine's and Foxx's vocals -- like other guests' loops -- are prominent and anchor their respective songs.
Don't get me wrong: West's liberal sampling and frequent guest artists do wonders for the album; strong production values blend them seamlessly into West's lyrics. Registration's best known sample is Shirley Bassey's "Diamonds are Forever" in "Diamonds from Sierra Leone." Another charming example is "Gone's" sample of "It's Too Late," a song in the style of The Temptations and Motown laid under the heavy bass and electronica beats characteristic of the album.
Registration and Dropout share West's witty lyrics and political overtones -- lyrics range from gas prices to drug use in D.C.'s impoverished zones.
But West's comments about America's social-political nature aren't just lyrical devices. During an NBC hurricane relief program last Friday, West shared his take on the situation in New Orleans: "George Bush doesn't care about black people."
It was a daring, rash thing to say -- traits Registration doesn't share. Unlike Dropout, this latest album plays it safe. Many of the beats and rhythms are similar to Dropout, a sign of continuity and maturity in this sophomore effort. Though it lacks the shock value of College Dropout, Late Registration still stands out among its peers.
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