Amid the gangsta-ridden culture that has hijacked hip-hop, no artist has tried to bring the genre back to reality like producer/rapper Kanye West. His third solo album "Graduation" released on Sept. 11, stands as the top-selling album of his solo career, and it seems his music has found a wider audience among teenagers.

What separates West from his peers is not only how he rhymes, but also what he says. "Graduation," released by the label Roc-A-Fella Records, features artists such as T-Pain, Young Jeezy, and Lil' Wayne. West is only too happy to collaborate with other artists at the top of their game, and he has met with success because of it.

The album opens with "Good Morning," and West incites interest with his comedic word play. "Good morning, look at the valedictorian, some are scared of the future while I hop in the DeLorean."

The song begins the story of the album, a story of a "graduate" intent on taking the world by storm. It's easy to see why high school kids would be interested.

James Potter, 19, of Brookline, believes that's what got him interested.

"The fact that he rhymes about things we experience every day is why I like him. It's not about living the gangsta life in his music but more about despising your job and being materialistic. It's something we can all relate to," Potter said.

The song "Champion" takes its beat from a snippet of Steely Dan's "Kid Charlemagne." Next is "Stronger," which ruled the airwaves last fall and is a synthesized version of Daft Punk's "Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger." West continues his good vibes in his song with T-Pain titled "Good Life," which is destined to be played at many proms this year.

"Graduation" takes a darker turn, however, when "You Can't Tell Me Nothing" starts pumping through your speakers. West pairs up with fellow rapper Young Jeezy on this heavy track, and teenagers can surely relate to the title of the song.

Matt Mahouski, 17, of Banksville, can understand where West is coming from. "What teenage kid wants to be told what to do? I know I'm not one of them," he said.

West continues with this dark tone when he pairs up with Lil' Wayne in the track titled "Barry Bonds." Then the album takes a reflective turn with the song "Everything I Am." West cites how what he does not do in his life has made him the person he is. "Everything I'm not, made me everything I am."

The final song, "Big Brother," is truly one of West's deepest songs. He notes how his partnership with Jay-Z, the man who gave West his chance in music, is responsible for his triumphs and failures. The track is a look into West's personal growth, and the song shows how he has evolved from the beginning of the album.

West stands out from the crowd because of his creativity and personality. His style constantly changes, evident from the wide array of artists who have influenced his work.

Josh Cashman, 17, of Brookline, believes this is why West is so successful.

"Kanye doesn't fit into one category. He has made his own lane in the game of hip-hop and has separated himself from the pack."

Even West can't deny this fact. In an interview posted online, he said, "In music and society people tell you to pick a side. Are you mainstream or underground? Do you rhyme about nice cars or about riding the train? Are you ignorant or do you know something about history? But I'm a person who can do all these different things. It's like everybody is taking that fork in the road. They don't see the rainbow in the middle. And I'm about to ride that. I'm the prism, and my music comes out in colors."