On this day in 2005, Kanye West proved there was no sophomore slump in his game when he dropped Late Registrationthrough Roc-A-Fella/Def Jam.
The album went on to sell over three million copies, officially cementing Ye’s status as more than just “the College Dropout”. He was now a full-blown superstar. Late Registration showcased Kanye’s evolution as both a lyricist and producer, tackling weighty topics like racism, poverty, and the blood diamond trade, while still delivering the soulful, sample-driven sound that had already set him apart.
The project also boasted an impressive guest list, with appearances from Adam Levine, Lupe Fiasco, Jamie Foxx, Common, Jay-Z, Brandy, and Nas. With that mix of talent, it was no surprise the album debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, took home the 2006 Grammy Award for Best Rap Album, and earned a nomination for Album of the Year.
Singles like “Touch the Sky,” “Heard ’Em Say,” and “Gold Digger” kept Ye at the top of the charts, with “Gold Digger” marking his second No. 1 single alongside Jamie Foxx—the first being 2003’s classic “Slow Jamz.”
Salute to Kanye West and the Roc-A-Fella/Def Jam family for delivering one of Hip Hop’s most timeless and influential albums.