Champion samples Steely Dan, but the attitude is Zeppelin. The track uses a simple, repetitive acoustic guitar loop that feels like the intro to Over the Hills and Far Away . In Zeppelin’s world, the acoustic guitar represents the calm before the storm. Kanye flips that: the acoustic loop is the storm. It’s the sound of a champion walking through a lobby in slow motion.
The album "Graduation" by Kanye West, released in 2007, marks a significant point in his career, showcasing a blend of hip-hop with electronic and rock influences. While Led Zeppelin's influence on hip-hop and rock is well-documented, particularly in terms of guitar-driven melodies and powerful, anthemic choruses, pinpointing a direct influence of Led Zeppelin on "Graduation" requires examining specific musical elements such as melody and chord progression. Champion samples Steely Dan, but the attitude is Zeppelin
Kanye uses this trick constantly on Graduation . Kanye flips that: the acoustic loop is the storm
When you think of Graduation (2007), you probably think of stadium lights, the unmistakable "glow" of Japanese artist Takashi Murakami, and the anthemic thump of "Stronger." While Led Zeppelin's influence on hip-hop and rock
Before Graduation , West was known for his "chipmunk soul" style, characterized by sped-up soul samples. After touring with U2 on their Vertigo Tour and the Rolling Stones on their A Bigger Bang tour, he sought a sound that could fill stadiums.