100 Best Albums of the Decade: 5

5: Kanye West - The College Dropout (2004)

Before proclaiming that George Bush didn't care about black people, defending Beyonce's video that apparently was one of the best ever, boasting about how fresh his suit was at President Obama's inaugural ball, calling people squid brains for making him late an Bonaroo last year when it was never their fault in the first place, posing as Jesus on the cover of Rolling Stone in 2006, telling Conan O'Brien he had to pee during an interview or liking fish sticks, Kayne West was simply a producer turned rapper who first gained notoriety for his incredible debut The College Dropout.

Pop music would not have been nearly as engaging as it was without the presence of Mr. West. His flow and his knack for clean production built on top of a strong conviction for rap make this album one of the best hip hop records ever. It's easily accessible and provides enough treasure for music fans of all walks of life. Dancers, philosophers, gangsters, your grandma, indie kids and white people who wish they had an ounce of soul power can find something in common here.

Sure his exploits took over his music but if you shut all of the nonsense out and focus only on the tunes you find that West is speaking the truth and preaching to nonbelievers. "Jesus Walks" is one of the most important songs written for this generation. Blues backing vocals mixed with the innocence of a children's choir on top of a thundering bass all topped off with a prayer for peace and salvation. Not your average formula for a hit single from a genre like hip hop.

The first half of Dropout focuses on the struggles of saving a penny. "We Don't Care", "All Falls Down" and "Spaceship" all pack a powerful punch where West calls out the world for what it is - blind to ignorance and the tussle of those who don't have heroes. He brilliantly uses his words to describe himself and humanity at the same time - "We all self conscious I'm just the first to admit it".

The second half the album transforms into a party as "The New Workout Plan", "Slow Jamz" and "Breathe In Breathe Out" are all about gettin' you in the mood to groove and do yo' thang (whateva yo' thang be). The best part about the fiesta tracks? No auto-tune. You're welcome world.

While Ludacris, Jamie Foxx, Jay-Z and Mos Def all make appearances throughout the album Kanye never lets his friend outshine him. He's constantly in control of what's going on and never really outstays his welcome. Sure this album is over an hour long, but when every track bleeds excellence, you almost wish there was another hour of material offered. Anyone down for a Kanye West White Album? Top Tunes:(Jesus Walks, Through The Wire, All Falls Down)