What is the name of Kanye West's debut album?

Kanye West’s debut album is The College Dropout.

Released on February 10, 2004, the album established West as a recording artist after he had already earned major recognition as a producer. Before pursuing his own rap career, he had produced for artists including Jay-Z, Talib Kweli, Beanie Sigel, Freeway, and Ludacris. Roc-A-Fella Records initially viewed him primarily as a producer, but he ultimately secured a solo deal.

West recorded the album over roughly four years, beginning in 1999. Its sound is known for “chipmunk soul,” built from sped-up and pitch-shifted vocal samples, alongside gospel choirs, strings, and programmed drums. The lyrics address family, faith, racism, materialism, self-doubt, and higher education rather than relying on the gangster persona common in mainstream rap at the time.

The album includes “Through the Wire,” “Jesus Walks,” “All Falls Down,” and “Slow Jamz.” It debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 and won Best Rap Album at the 2005 Grammy Awards. “Late Registration” was West’s second studio album, not his debut.