"The College Dropout" is the debut studio album by American rapper Kanye West. It was released on February 10, 2004, through Roc-A-Fella Records and Def Jam Recordings. Prior to its release, West had gained recognition as a producer for artists such as Jay-Z and Talib Kweli, though he encountered resistance within the music industry to being accepted as a recording artist. After signing with Roc-A-Fella Records, he recorded the album over several years, beginning in 1999. Production on "The College Dropout" was primarily handled by West and reflects his early production style, often described as "chipmunk soul", characterized by sped-up and pitch-shifted vocal samples from soul and R&B recordings. The album also incorporates original drum programming, orchestral elements, and gospel influences. Guest appearances include Jay-Z, Mos Def, Jamie Foxx, Syleena Johnson, and Ludacris. Lyrically, the album departs from the prevailing gangster themes of early-2000s hip hop, addressing topics such as family, insecurity, consumerism, religion, systemic racism, and education. "The College Dropout" debuted at number two on the U.S. Billboard 200, selling 441,000 copies in its first week. It achieved significant commercial success, selling over 3.4 million copies in the United States by 2014 and receiving a four-times platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of America in 2020. The album was supported by singles including "Through the Wire", "Jesus Walks", "All Fall