Soulful instrumentation and crisp beats define the Chicago rapper’s second release

Soulful instrumentation and crisp beats define Kanye's second release. The Chicago rapper used the extra cash earned from The College Dropout to orchestrate a lush, dynamic follow-up that marries pop-soul grooves and explosive hip-hop rhythms. The soul-inflected “Celebration” and the R&B brooder “Bring Me Down” showcase his seductive mix of hard-edged, city-bred beats with soaring strings. He hits heartbreaking heights with the stormy “Roses”, a powerful ode to his dying grandma. But it’s the Ray Charles sample and the irresistible thump of “Gold Digger” that cemented the world’s Ye addiction.