Kanye West's The College Dropout has gone missing from Apple Music. Several sources report that the 2004 album has been pulled from the music streaming platform.
'The College Dropout' Removed From Apple Music
On Monday, July 16, fans reported that they no longer have access to the controversial rapper's debut album. However, his newer records, including Ye and Kids See Ghosts, are still available on Apple Music.
One fan decided to get into the bottom of the mystery and contacted Apple Music to directly ask about the album's disappearance. According to customer support, the album has been pulled by its record label Roc-A-Fella, a subdivision of Def Jam Recordings.
"The record label pulled the album from Apple Music," said a representative of the subscription music service.
Shortly after, fans on Reddit have reported that The College Dropout has also been pulled out of YouTube.
In a statement to Spin, a representative from Def Jam Records denied involvement in the album's disappearance from Apple Music. They explained that the album has not been pulled, but was a victim of "some sort supply chain glitch." They also assured that they are working hard to bring back the album on Apple Music.
Curiously, the "glitch" did not affect Spotify. The College Dropout is still available on the Swedish-born music streaming platform along with West's newer works such as 808's & Heartbreaks and The Life of Pablo. No word yet on whether the album will also be reuploaded on YouTube.
As of this writing, the 41-year-old rapper has not commented about the album's disappearance.
Looking Back To 'The College Dropout'
West's debut album was recorded over the period of four years beginning in 1999. When it was released, it was a massive hit, selling over 400,000 copies in the span of just one week.
It also gave the music producer and fashion designer his first Grammy Award for Best Rap Album in addition to nine other nominations. The Guardian adds that it is often listed as one of the best albums of all time.
The College Dropout spawned hip-hop classics "Jesus Walks" and "All Falls Down."
West recently completed the release of five albums, including Teyana Taylor's KSTR, Pusha T's Daytona, and Nas' NASIR, which he executive produced in his base camp of Jackson Hole, Wyoming. He reportedly will be heading back to his hometown of Chicago to start working on an upcoming, still-untitled seven-track album with Chance The Rapper.
