PHOTOS BY WALIK GOSHORN FOR KILLEDTHAT.COM

Last night, Kanye West gave a select group of industry folk an inside look at his forthcoming album, Graduation. I was one of the lucky few to be able to attend the event, and am now giving you all an inside look at the album Kanye claims is “one of hip-hop’s Top 10 best records”.

The record begins with “Good Morning,” a chill introduction track during which ‘Ye proclaims his inadequate grades in college, yet flaunts his sharp sense of style–ultimately pronouncing himself the “fly Malcolm X”.

“Champion” is undoubtedly the dopest track on the album. According to Kanye, its one of those “personal theme songs” that allows people to take their minds off depression and struggle and focus on being productive.

You guys already know the deal about “Stronger”; need I say anything? It’s an influential track that has the power to boost one’s self-esteem at any given moment.

“I Wonder” is Kanye’s favorite song. It’s a snare-heavy track that discusses finding one’s dreams, whether they be building a family or avoiding commitment altogether.

“Good Life”, the next single, features T-Pain, and is also a complete banger. Similar to “Celebration” in lyrical content, ‘Ye finds himself rapping about the–well–good life. He asks rhetorically, “have you ever popped champagne on a plane while gettin’ some brain?”

“Can’t Tell Me Nothing,” in my eyes, was definitely the hit of the summer. ‘Ye even says it himself: “The track bumps hard in both the ghetto and amongst the white people. It appeals to a very broad crowd.”

“Barry Bonds” completely blew up on the Internet just two weeks ago. The track, which Kanye admits was completed just a few weeks ago, finds him and Weezy equating themselves to the baseball legend Barry Bonds. We outta’ here baby…

“Drunk and Hot Girls” talks about the great amount of work is takes to bring a drunk and hot girl back home from the club. “Sometimes,” Kanye admits, “you need to resort to the one that’s been all over you since the beginning of the night.” Mos Def makes a guest
appearance on the hook.

“Flashing Lights” features potent snares and smooth synths. Kanye notes, “it’s the only joint on the album that truly caters to the females.” In the track, ‘Ye follows a girl blinded by Hollywood. “She don’t believe in shooting stars,” he raps, “but she believe in shoes and cars.”

“Everything I Am” addresses all of Kanye’s haters. Another joint about self-pride, he raps “…Everything
I’m not made me everything I am”. He adds, “People talk so much shit about [Kanye] in the barber shop, they forget to get their haircuts.” (A line previously featured on the unreleased “Wow.”)

We all knew a track like “The Glory” was coming. Not all of Kanye’s music can be uplifting and influential. “Glory” is simly a feel-good song, during which Kanye discusses stepping his clothing game up. “Everyone’s rocking Louis Vuitton clothes now,” he states. It’s time to move on to even more exclusive ‘ish.

In “Homecoming,” Kanye raps about Chi-town and relates it to a girl he met when he was three years old. A “Kanye 2.0″ remake of his previously unreleased mixtape track, “Home,” I’m not sure this is one of the stronger joints on the album.

Finally, in “Big Brother,” a tribute to Kanye’s mentor and business parter, Jay-Z, ‘Ye finds himself bowing down to Jay, discussing the ups and downs in their relationship. According to Mr. West, the song is “neither negative nor positive. It’s simply reality.”

Interesting Notes: Graduation is skit-free. Kanye says he was inspired by rock artists, who rarely use skits in studio albums, to cut them entirely from his record. “I’ll save them for the podcasts,” he joked.

Donda West (Kanye’s mom) on the album:

“I think it’s Kanye’s best work. I don’t know anything that’s more real than Graduation. It definitely supercedes College Dropout and Late Registration. He ['Ye] really brought it this time, and you don’t have to be his mother to agree.”

Summary: Wow, Kanye. I’m not going to lie: this is a revolutionary album. It sounds like nothing else you’ve already put out; you’re really maturing as an artist in front of our eyes. The album is a classic, but I just wish it was a tad bit longer. Oh well, just something to keep in mind when you put together the next installment, Good Ass Job.

Album Rating: A-

More Photos (shot by Walik Goshorn for KilledThat.com)