Line Out - Comments on Kanye West's Graduation Flunks http://lineout.thestranger.com/2007/09/kanye_wests_graduation_flunks No one is as impressed with Kanye West's skills on the mic, boards, and stage as he is, which is why it's so easy to hate him. Kanye has singlehandedly brought the self-love braggadocio game to a whole new... Copyright 2008 Tue, 11 Sep 2007 10:00:23 -0800 Wed, 19 Sep 2007 07:10:20 -0800 http://www.movabletype.org/?v=3.34 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Comment by Young Weezy what kind of fool objects to a guest appearance from lil wayne?

]]> Young Weezy http://lineout.thestranger.com/2007/09/kanye_wests_graduation_flunks#c802346 http://lineout.thestranger.com/2007/09/kanye_wests_graduation_flunks#c802346 Shit Talk Tue, 11 Sep 2007 11:03:59 -0800 Comment by Johnny Let you off at the next stop?

We would but you were never on. Ask me how I can tell.

Can you please restrict your Stranger writing contributions to "sticking it to the man"? You're awesome when you do that.

]]> Johnny http://lineout.thestranger.com/2007/09/kanye_wests_graduation_flunks#c802425 http://lineout.thestranger.com/2007/09/kanye_wests_graduation_flunks#c802425 Shit Talk Tue, 11 Sep 2007 11:54:03 -0800 Comment by Sameer Shukla You are just plain wrong. Leave it to Seattle to hate on guy who has an awe-inspring lust for life. Kanye is one of the few multitaskers left in modern popular music. He's an amazing producer, writer, and performer. So what if he's cocky? He earned it. The album is incredible, and it really is your loss.

]]> Sameer Shukla http://lineout.thestranger.com/2007/09/kanye_wests_graduation_flunks#c802453 http://lineout.thestranger.com/2007/09/kanye_wests_graduation_flunks#c802453 Shit Talk Tue, 11 Sep 2007 12:19:55 -0800 Comment by Levislade Hip-hop sampling Daft Punk? I don't know, that's pretty cool.

]]> Levislade http://lineout.thestranger.com/2007/09/kanye_wests_graduation_flunks#c802456 http://lineout.thestranger.com/2007/09/kanye_wests_graduation_flunks#c802456 Shit Talk Tue, 11 Sep 2007 12:22:37 -0800 Comment by Flipz Yeah, man, you're just straight up wrong. It's understandable, though. Whenever an artist does something really innovative there are always critics who can't understand it. I agree with #2, I don't think you understand the progression of hip-hop, and you'd probably be better suited not writing about it.

]]> Flipz http://lineout.thestranger.com/2007/09/kanye_wests_graduation_flunks#c802474 http://lineout.thestranger.com/2007/09/kanye_wests_graduation_flunks#c802474 Shit Talk Tue, 11 Sep 2007 12:37:59 -0800 Comment by Levislade And this is just an aside, but what's wrong with saying an album "came out" or "was released"? What does "drop" even mean? I was hoping it would go away, but its use seems to be multiplying if anything.

]]> Levislade http://lineout.thestranger.com/2007/09/kanye_wests_graduation_flunks#c802490 http://lineout.thestranger.com/2007/09/kanye_wests_graduation_flunks#c802490 Shit Talk Tue, 11 Sep 2007 12:44:59 -0800 Comment by colin Kanye is a crappy MC...yes, and in my opinion as a producer his best work has been for other artists...everything I've heard so far on this album is weak...

But did you have to go and bring Bowie's good name in to this? His work with Eno in the late 70's was quite groundbreaking really...not as accessible by any means as early 70's rock stuff...but hugely influential and stands up to the test of time

I hear ya on Kanye being overhyped and all, but lets make a better comparison...let's say :
Madonna's forgetable and oddly experimental mix of Politics and Not-Ready-For-The-Dancefloor beats album "American Life"

]]> colin http://lineout.thestranger.com/2007/09/kanye_wests_graduation_flunks#c802555 http://lineout.thestranger.com/2007/09/kanye_wests_graduation_flunks#c802555 Shit Talk Tue, 11 Sep 2007 13:49:04 -0800 Comment by Jonah S @ 2-

I do pretty well at sticking it to your mom too.

]]> Jonah S http://lineout.thestranger.com/2007/09/kanye_wests_graduation_flunks#c802565 http://lineout.thestranger.com/2007/09/kanye_wests_graduation_flunks#c802565 Shit Talk Tue, 11 Sep 2007 13:55:09 -0800 Comment by R.Yu I dislike Maroon 5, but anyone who can make Adam Levine sound like Stevie Wonder is ok in my book.

Graduation was Kanye's experiment to create his new definitive sound, respectable.

unfortunately, he left out his swinging cadences and progression even within individual songs.

typically, his lyricism doesn't cover his blindspots, but without his heater beats, those shortcomings were never more apparent.

]]> R.Yu http://lineout.thestranger.com/2007/09/kanye_wests_graduation_flunks#c802590 http://lineout.thestranger.com/2007/09/kanye_wests_graduation_flunks#c802590 Shit Talk Tue, 11 Sep 2007 14:13:41 -0800 Comment by Shtooooops @ 6

Gays "come out"

Convicts "get released"

Albums "drop"

Got it?

kthxbye

]]> Shtooooops http://lineout.thestranger.com/2007/09/kanye_wests_graduation_flunks#c802628 http://lineout.thestranger.com/2007/09/kanye_wests_graduation_flunks#c802628 Shit Talk Tue, 11 Sep 2007 15:01:51 -0800 Comment by Flipz What happened to Zwickel's post on this subject?

]]> Flipz http://lineout.thestranger.com/2007/09/kanye_wests_graduation_flunks#c802641 http://lineout.thestranger.com/2007/09/kanye_wests_graduation_flunks#c802641 Shit Talk Tue, 11 Sep 2007 15:15:36 -0800 Comment by Johnny @ Jonah #8

Cut the crap.

...and ew. My mom's really old.

]]> Johnny http://lineout.thestranger.com/2007/09/kanye_wests_graduation_flunks#c802645 http://lineout.thestranger.com/2007/09/kanye_wests_graduation_flunks#c802645 Shit Talk Tue, 11 Sep 2007 15:16:23 -0800 Comment by lar I don't like this album that much either. but you my man sOuNd LiKe A h8R!!! especially when you shit on Late Registration- BOO THIS MAN!!!

]]> lar http://lineout.thestranger.com/2007/09/kanye_wests_graduation_flunks#c802775 http://lineout.thestranger.com/2007/09/kanye_wests_graduation_flunks#c802775 Shit Talk Tue, 11 Sep 2007 16:42:55 -0800 Comment by lar I hate "Stronger" too, and I like Daft Punk. Ye definitely was definitely wearing his caterer clothes there.

But you're gonna dismiss "Everything I Am", one of the most beautiful hiphop songs since the classic Registration dropped?

AHHH SCOTT JORGENSON!!! I LOVE IT!!! IM ACTUALLY GONNA MURDER YOU!!!

]]> lar http://lineout.thestranger.com/2007/09/kanye_wests_graduation_flunks#c802787 http://lineout.thestranger.com/2007/09/kanye_wests_graduation_flunks#c802787 Shit Talk Tue, 11 Sep 2007 16:47:38 -0800 Comment by not feeling it "unfortunately, he left out his swinging cadences and progression even within individual songs.

typically, his lyricism doesn't cover his blindspots, but without his heater beats, those shortcomings were never more apparent. "

I totally agree. I've been listening to this off and on for the last few days, hoping that it might grow on me. I can respect an artist for going off in a new direction, even if I don't like the sound. However, when your albums become simpler and simpler with more repetition and less progressions... It comes across as lazy to me.

On top of that I'm having to read reviews claiming that he's an amazing lyricist, "top 5". He's far from worst lyricist, but he's FAR from best. Any appreciation I have for his lyrics is stomped by his lackluster delivery.

I love some of his production, both on his stuff and especially for others. This album has so far disappointed from every direction, it fell flat for me.

]]> not feeling it http://lineout.thestranger.com/2007/09/kanye_wests_graduation_flunks#c802799 http://lineout.thestranger.com/2007/09/kanye_wests_graduation_flunks#c802799 Shit Talk Tue, 11 Sep 2007 16:55:06 -0800 Comment by jz point/counterpoint:

http://lineout.thestranger.com/2007/09/in_defense_of_graduation_1

]]> jz http://lineout.thestranger.com/2007/09/kanye_wests_graduation_flunks#c802810 http://lineout.thestranger.com/2007/09/kanye_wests_graduation_flunks#c802810 Shit Talk Tue, 11 Sep 2007 17:02:27 -0800 Comment by segal I haven't heard Graduation yet, but re: Bowie and Eno doing coke in the '80s (!!??), I think you're dead wrong:

Q: You. Bowie. Cocaine. Sex? TS Saxon, via e-mail

Eno: Whenever I've worked with Bowie there have never been any drugs involved at all. And, no, I've never had sex with him. Sorry. I don't like drugs in the recording studio – they just mean everything takes five times longer to do.

http://music.hyperreal.org/artists/brian_eno/interviews/q178jul01.htm

]]> segal http://lineout.thestranger.com/2007/09/kanye_wests_graduation_flunks#c802963 http://lineout.thestranger.com/2007/09/kanye_wests_graduation_flunks#c802963 Shit Talk Tue, 11 Sep 2007 20:35:40 -0800 Comment by DJ Nphared point/SUPERcounterpoint:

http://raindrophustla.blogspot.com/2007/09/graduation-verdict.html

I had to disclose my bias for Kayne, I wish Jonah would've disclosed his bias against. Close-minded statements and inaccuracies aside, opinions are still opinions, and you know what they're like. If you like Kanye, you'll probably like, then love the album, if you don't, he's not gonna win you over. He's past the point in his career where he worries about converting the Jonahs of the world. Listen to who you want to listen to and don't let a blog dictate your taste.

]]> DJ Nphared http://lineout.thestranger.com/2007/09/kanye_wests_graduation_flunks#c803036 http://lineout.thestranger.com/2007/09/kanye_wests_graduation_flunks#c803036 Shit Talk Wed, 12 Sep 2007 01:47:32 -0800 Comment by Jonah's Mom's Dick In Schmader's Favorite Movie Red's the only person talking about how the album "feels" pointy head scholars.

The album feels gppd to listen to. It's optomism is such a welcome sentiment. I dopn;t know if anyone;s noticed but things are kinda bleak. I needed this guy to make this "not so great" album.

]]> Jonah's Mom's Dick In Schmader's Favorite Movie http://lineout.thestranger.com/2007/09/kanye_wests_graduation_flunks#c803132 http://lineout.thestranger.com/2007/09/kanye_wests_graduation_flunks#c803132 Shit Talk Wed, 12 Sep 2007 09:40:23 -0800 Comment by Macka HOW CAN YOU SAY GRADUATION FLUNKS THATS ONE OF THE GREATEST ALBUMS EVER!!!
I don't where you heard that Graduation flunks every single song on the album is hot, get your facts straight or actually listen to the album before you start saying crazy stuff like that. Everyone who knows anything about music knows Kanye is one of the greatest rappers of alltime. Not one song on Graduation brags about how good he is if you actually listen to the lyrics. Mr. West has skills on the mic, boards, and stage. You would know that if you look on how many albums he sold and grammys he won you would know millions agree with me. His style is totally different from all the other weak rap that's out rapping about the same thing (cars, money, gangs, and guns) also known as dead hip-hop. The song Everything I Am which is on Graduation talks about how he was never following the path of a stereotype rapper, how the way he dressed, he talked, he walked, wasn't black enough to make anywhere in showbiz. The hook "Everything i'm not made me everything i am" and the verse where Kanye is saying "so say goodbye to the NAACP award
goodbye to the In-di-a Arie award
they'd rather give me the n***a-please award" is exactly what you are doing, giving Kanye the n***a-please award. Or how about "I know that people wouldn't usually rap this
but I got the facts to back this
just last year, Chicago had over 600 caskets
man, killin's some wack s***
oh, I forgot, 'cept for when n***a's is rappin'" Is that what you expect from rappers rappin about killing people. whoever says that Kanye West is wack doesn't know anything about rap. Kanye is keeping Hip-hop alive so NaS can change his album name to hip-hop is back.

]]> Macka http://lineout.thestranger.com/2007/09/kanye_wests_graduation_flunks#c803628 http://lineout.thestranger.com/2007/09/kanye_wests_graduation_flunks#c803628 Shit Talk Wed, 12 Sep 2007 16:21:51 -0800 Comment by Macka HOW CAN YOU SAY GRADUATION FLUNKS THATS ONE OF THE GREATEST ALBUMS EVER!!!
I don't where you heard that Graduation flunks every single song on the album is hot, get your facts straight or actually listen to the album before you start saying crazy stuff like that. Everyone who knows anything about music knows Kanye is one of the greatest rappers of alltime. Not one song on Graduation brags about how good he is if you actually listen to the lyrics. Mr. West has skills on the mic, boards, and stage. You would know that if you look on how many albums he sold and grammys he won you would know millions agree with me. His style is totally different from all the other weak rap that's out rapping about the same thing (cars, money, gangs, and guns) also known as dead hip-hop. The song Everything I Am which is on Graduation talks about how he was never following the path of a stereotype rapper, how the way he dressed, he talked, he walked, wasn't black enough to make anywhere in showbiz. The hook "Everything i'm not made me everything i am" and the verse where Kanye is saying "so say goodbye to the NAACP award
goodbye to the In-di-a Arie award
they'd rather give me the n***a-please award" is exactly what you are doing, giving Kanye the n***a-please award. Or how about "I know that people wouldn't usually rap this
but I got the facts to back this
just last year, Chicago had over 600 caskets
man, killin's some wack s***
oh, I forgot, 'cept for when n***a's is rappin'" Is that what you expect from rappers rappin about killing people. whoever says that Kanye West is wack doesn't know anything about rap. Kanye is keeping Hip-hop alive so NaS can change his album name to hip-hop is back.

]]> Macka http://lineout.thestranger.com/2007/09/kanye_wests_graduation_flunks#c803629 http://lineout.thestranger.com/2007/09/kanye_wests_graduation_flunks#c803629 Shit Talk Wed, 12 Sep 2007 16:22:23 -0800 Comment by Macka HOW CAN YOU SAY GRADUATION FLUNKS THATS ONE OF THE GREATEST ALBUMS EVER!!!
I don't where you heard that Graduation flunks every single song on the album is hot, get your facts straight or actually listen to the album before you start saying crazy stuff like that. Everyone who knows anything about music knows Kanye is one of the greatest rappers of alltime. Not one song on Graduation brags about how good he is if you actually listen to the lyrics. Mr. West has skills on the mic, boards, and stage. You would know that if you look on how many albums he sold and grammys he won you would know millions agree with me. His style is totally different from all the other weak rap that's out rapping about the same thing (cars, money, gangs, and guns) also known as dead hip-hop. The song Everything I Am which is on Graduation talks about how he was never following the path of a stereotype rapper, how the way he dressed, he talked, he walked, wasn't black enough to make anywhere in showbiz. The hook "Everything i'm not made me everything i am" and the verse where Kanye is saying "so say goodbye to the NAACP award
goodbye to the In-di-a Arie award
they'd rather give me the n***a-please award" is exactly what you are doing, giving Kanye the n***a-please award. Or how about "I know that people wouldn't usually rap this
but I got the facts to back this
just last year, Chicago had over 600 caskets
man, killin's some wack s***
oh, I forgot, 'cept for when n***a's is rappin'" Is that what you expect from rappers rappin about killing people. whoever says that Kanye West is wack doesn't know anything about rap. Kanye is keeping Hip-hop alive so NaS can change his album name to hip-hop is back.

]]> Macka http://lineout.thestranger.com/2007/09/kanye_wests_graduation_flunks#c803632 http://lineout.thestranger.com/2007/09/kanye_wests_graduation_flunks#c803632 Shit Talk Wed, 12 Sep 2007 16:24:41 -0800 Comment by MARC PLEASE STOP COMMENTING TO THIS FOOL, GRADUATION IS A GREAT ALBUM, THIS DUDE MUST BE IN LOVE WITH FIFTY CENT OR SOMETHING, HE'S A CLOWN, A JOKE, JUST LAUGH AT HIM AND MOVE ON!!

]]> MARC http://lineout.thestranger.com/2007/09/kanye_wests_graduation_flunks#c804720 http://lineout.thestranger.com/2007/09/kanye_wests_graduation_flunks#c804720 Shit Talk Fri, 14 Sep 2007 06:40:45 -0800 Comment by Dtrag What album were you listening to? Or were you listening at all? As mentioned above by countless people, this is a fantastic album and should be picked up by all who enjoy K. West and those who need an introduction to him....
Big Deal if he's arrogant and cocky?? He definitely has earned the right to be!

]]> Dtrag http://lineout.thestranger.com/2007/09/kanye_wests_graduation_flunks#c804871 http://lineout.thestranger.com/2007/09/kanye_wests_graduation_flunks#c804871 Shit Talk Fri, 14 Sep 2007 10:58:46 -0800 Comment by Exclusive Are you carzy...? Every track on Graduation is fire. You cant hate on him because he changing the game. He better than all these other rappers simply because he not doing his thing the traditional way.

]]> Exclusive http://lineout.thestranger.com/2007/09/kanye_wests_graduation_flunks#c804998 http://lineout.thestranger.com/2007/09/kanye_wests_graduation_flunks#c804998 Shit Talk Fri, 14 Sep 2007 13:00:16 -0800 Comment by Dono Lar has chimed in... now there's an opinion on the subject I can actually respect.

]]> Dono http://lineout.thestranger.com/2007/09/kanye_wests_graduation_flunks#c805291 http://lineout.thestranger.com/2007/09/kanye_wests_graduation_flunks#c805291 Shit Talk Fri, 14 Sep 2007 21:30:20 -0800 Comment by Ashleigh Graduation is as bloated as Gay-ye's ego. The review was spot-on! He is an overrated untalented hack and you fans are all clueless. Like 99% of all popular music today, West is musically, lyrically and vocally inferior. He would not have had a chance in the 1970s--the last decade music was music!

]]> Ashleigh http://lineout.thestranger.com/2007/09/kanye_wests_graduation_flunks#c806167 http://lineout.thestranger.com/2007/09/kanye_wests_graduation_flunks#c806167 Shit Talk Mon, 17 Sep 2007 19:10:37 -0800 Comment by Dmost Ok Ok. I've definately got the reason to why this guy is such a hater. We all know that Kanye is a very self-centered human being. And maybe rightly so listening to some of the music he has made. maybe not to some people. but that's just opinion. BUT MY MAN, please do not come on here and bash Kanye West because YOU ARE A GEORGE BUSH FAN. Bitchass.

]]> Dmost http://lineout.thestranger.com/2007/09/kanye_wests_graduation_flunks#c806941 http://lineout.thestranger.com/2007/09/kanye_wests_graduation_flunks#c806941 Shit Talk Wed, 19 Sep 2007 07:10:20 -0800