“School Spirit…”

As we gear up for the 10 year anniversary of the self proclaimed “Biggest Start In The Universe’s” debut album College Dropout we wonder what else Kanye West had under his sleeve. It’s no doubt that College Dropout hit so many relateable topics to the masses. Being seen as the underdog of Rocafella Records at the time he made sure his production skills were noted but also his rap skills. But imagine if that album with classic samples, delightful melodies and interludes that helped tie a story of glory was an actual book? We’re talking not only the lyrics sketched out, but illustrated by Bill Plympton, an Academy Award-Nominated Animator, Cartoonist and Illustrator.

Well it happened.

And it just so happens to be one of those books that you’ll hold on to and you may not want to put it on your coffee table because you want to keep it in condition. This book dropped back in 2009 but remains something we can always look back to. The memoir goes through 12 songs from College Dropout and even brings Late Registration’s Champions for a detailed illustration from Plympton and Kanye’s vision that tells you exactly what was going on during the making of those tracks.  As you read the lyrics you can’t help but chant the songs out loud and look at the photos in amazement. One of the highlights of the book is Jesus Walks. A woman depicted as a stripper climbing the cross with money falling out of her underwear, a basketball player trying to make it to the hoop all the while vultures are trying to take, but at the end of the road Jesus is there. Vivid huh, but just think, this is actually a book Kanye will be able to share with his baby girl North West.

-Tatiana (@TatianaTot)