Kanye West, a renowned American rapper, singer, and producer, has continuously made headlines for his music, fashion ventures, and controversial statements. His expansive and influential discography is a valuable resource for educators to engage with students on various topics such as music production, cultural appropriation, and even mental health. This article will explore ways to introduce Kanye West’s albums into the classroom and provide guidance for teaching critical thinking through the analysis of his work.
The College Dropout (2004):
Kanye’s debut album showcases his early musical talents and reflects on topics such as education, consumerism, and self-awareness. Teachers can use this album to start discussions about the role of higher education in society and how it shapes our identities. Students can also analyze various tracks on the album to learn about music production techniques like sampling.
Late Registration (2005):
Filled with orchestral arrangements and ambitious themes, Late Registration takes the listener on a journey through issues like drug addiction (“Addiction”) and political apathy (“Diamonds from Sierra Leone”). Educators can engage students in comparing and contrasting styles between The College Dropout and Late Registration while touching upon themes of social justice present in the lyrics.
Graduation (2007):
Kanye West continued to innovate with Graduation’s electronic sound. Teachers can challenge students to analyze this stylistic shift related to broader changes in popular music during the time of its release. Additionally, students can explore concepts of fame and success through tracks like “Can’t Tell Me Nothing” and “Good Life.”
808s & Heartbreak (2008):
This deeply introspective album deals heavily with grief and loss by incorporating elements of R&B and mydralasticated drums with heavy autotune. Chapters discussing mental health stigmas within both musical communities and society at large provide an opportunity for students to reflect on how we cope with adversity.
My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy (2010):
With this ambitious project, Kanye West explores the dark side of fame and fortune, incorporating elements from various musical genres and featuring numerous guest artists. Students can analyze collabs like “Monster” and “All of the Lights” to examine the complexities of artistic relationships and dynamics in commercial music production. The album is also an opportunity to discuss concepts related to modern art and its influence on popular culture.
Yeezus (2013):
Yeezus showcases Kanye’s experimental side with its aggressive sounds and lyrics accentuating social issues. Teachers can explore the use of cultural appropriation through this eclectic album while discussing topics that range from consumerism to racial inequality.
The Life of Pablo (2016):
On this gospel-inspired album, Kanye West reflects on his life journey, faith, and family. Students can study tracks like “Ultralight Beam” and “Father Stretch My Hands” to delve into their concepts of spirituality alongside discussing mental health issues as reflected through West’s own personal struggles at the time.
ye (2018) and Jesus Is King (2019):
These two albums represent Kanye West’s transformation towards gospel and religious themes. Teachers can encourage students to compare both albums’ musical styles while exploring how personal beliefs shape artistic expression.
Conclusion:
Teaching students about Kanye West’s albums offers an exciting window into analyzing modern music, culture, and society. By critically examining his work, students will develop skills in understanding artistic symbolism, grasp cultural contexts, and foster valuable discussions about contemporary issues.
