Which 2004 Kanye West debut album includes “Jesus Walks” and “Through the Wire”?

Kanye West’s 2004 debut studio album, The College Dropout, includes “Jesus Walks” and “Through the Wire.”

The album was released by Roc-A-Fella Records and Def Jam Recordings on February 10, 2004. West had already become known as a producer for artists such as Jay-Z, but The College Dropout established him as a solo rapper with a distinctive style built around soul samples, personal storytelling, and social commentary.

“Through the Wire” was recorded while West’s jaw was wired shut after a 2002 car accident. “Jesus Walks” became one of the album’s most recognized singles and won the Grammy Award for Best Rap Song.

The title is sometimes confused with West’s later education-themed albums, Late Registration and Graduation. Those records followed The College Dropout but are separate releases in his early trilogy.