and the Wu-Tang Clan, and individuals such as Nas and Tupac, West bridged the gap between two different worlds.

As someone growing up during the harder, more gritty rapping style of the ’90s, exemplified by groups such as N.W.A. Context is extremely important whenever you analyze the impact of someone’s work, and West’s is no exception. “808s” was West’s way of dealing with his internalized sadness, not only from his mother’s passing, but also from other aspects of his tumultuous personal life.Īfter listening to the entire album, and reconsidering the state of rap today, I can say its impact is undeniable. The 2008 release was his first after the passing of his mother, Donda, who played a tremendously large role in his life, considering she was a single mother. 24, 2008, “808s” is West’s fourth studio album, following the culminating album of West’s Graduation trilogy, “Graduation.” 808s marks a stark departure from the mood and tone of his previous work while the earlier album is generally celebratory and hopeful, the following project is moody and atmospheric, portraying the mind of someone who is struggling. To speculate his influence on modern rappers, I listened to his album “808s and Heartbreak,” which is considered one of the most influential rap albums ever. I always understood the distinction of his beat-producing ability and sample selection-however I never knew what specific aspects of rap he affected, only that he served as an inspiration to many modern-day artists.

While I need not continue describing the prowess of someone so widely recognized for their musical ability, one particular commendation that West receives is how influential he has been in shaping the current state of rap. West has been putting out masterpieces of albums since his 2004 debut “The College Dropout.” Each new creation encompasses his characteristically visionary and immersive production, and his uncanny ability to master any type of flow and attitude, from melodic and touching like on “Hey Mama” to bold and biting like on “Gorgeous.” Name an achievement or milestone in the rapping game, and West has probably surpassed it, or simply created it in the first place. Kanye West is hailed in the hip hop community as one of the greatest rappers of all time.

Who did 808s and heartbreak influence