Released in 2004, The College Dropout is the debut studio album by American rapper Kanye West. The album explores themes of self-consciousness, education, and the struggles of pursuing dreams, blending soulful samples with innovative production techniques. The College Dropout received critical acclaim and commercial success, featuring hit singles like Through the Wire and Jesus Walks. It played a significant role in shaping the sound of hip hop in the 2000s and is often regarded as one of the greatest albums of all time, influencing countless artists in the genre.