School Spirit Skit 2
Kanye West · The College Dropout [2004]
You pick up all those books that your going to read
And not remember and you roll, man
You get that a sociate degree, okay
Then you get your bachelors, then you get your masters
Then you get your master's masters
Then you get your doctrine, you go, man
And then when everybody says quit
You show them those degrees, man
When everybody says, "Hey
You're not working, you're not making any money"
You say, "You look at my degrees and you look at my life
Yeah, I'm fifty two, so what, hate all you want
But I'm smart, I'm so smart, and I'm in school
These guys are out here making money all these ways
And I'm spendin' mine to be smart, you know why?
Because when I die, buddy, you know
What's going to keep me warm, that's right, those degrees"
School Spirit Skit 2
Released on Kanye West's debut album The College Dropout in 2004, 'School Spirit Skit 2' stands as a pivotal moment in hip-hop history, marking the artist's transition from a producer to a frontman. The track features a distinctive spoken-word delivery that blends social commentary with a unique, rhythmic cadence, establishing the introspective and socially conscious tone that would define his early work. As part of the album's narrative arc, the song explores themes of youth, conformity, and the complexities of growing up, delivered with a raw authenticity that resonated deeply with audiences. Its inclusion on the critically acclaimed The College Dropout helped cement West's reputation as a visionary artist capable of merging personal expression with broader cultural observation, influencing a generation of rappers to prioritize lyrical depth and narrative storytelling.