As we begin 2017, it certainly looks as though we have another phenomenal year in store regarding hip hop/rap record releases, following a truly outstanding year in 2016. With projects confirmed for release this year by artists such as Drake, Kendrick Lamar, Kanye West, and Travis Scott, a precedent has been set for a year in hip hop that will surely be able to compete with the headlines of 2016.

Although new releases will certainly be prominent over the course of 2017, one of the biggest storylines of the year will undoubtedly be the 10 year anniversary of Hip Hop icon Kanye West’s third studio album, Graduation.

Released on September 11, 2007, the album was critically acclaimed and immediately beloved by fans of West. The album won both the 2008 Grammy and American Music Award for Best Hip Hop/Rap Album and is considered by many to be a gem, if not the pinnacle of his illustrious discography.

The best word to describe Graduation would be “aspirational.” What makes West’s third album so special is that, prior to its release, West was an artist who was on top of his game and seemingly on top of the hip-hop/rap world itself; an artist who was reaching the pinnacle of a distinguished career; however, never being one to remain stagnant, West dreamed of more.

The aura of the album was never “Look at me, I’ve got my money right,” but rather “Wait till I get my money right.” An up-and-coming artist could only dream to one day be like West back in ‘07, yet West treated himself like an up-and-comer and in doing so was striving for perfection. This continuous mindset of striving for greatness we have witnessed from West as the years have passed solidify him as one of the greatest rappers and record producers of all time.

Tracks like “Stronger” and the T-Pain assisted “Good Life” added to his list of Billboard smash hits, while “Can’t Tell Me Nothing” served as the sorely needed street anthem West’s day-one fans had yearned for. Amidst all the news surrounding the album itself, his triumphant victory in the release-day showdown with fellow rapper 50 Cent proved to be the biggest headline in solidifying his achievement with Graduation .

West’s career is often described as inspirational and rightfully so. That being said, Graduation‘s tremendous success should be remembered as a lesson from West in never settling at good—because it’s simply not good enough.

The album’s sound was inspired by West touring with stadium-rock acts like U2. These experiences led West to the revelation that intricate lyrics don’t translate well to crowds of ten thousand, so he adjusted his lyrical style and added synthesizers to the production fill up any empty space.

The album’s effect is best exemplified on the album closer and ode to Jay Z, “Big Brother.” But at that point West wasn’t Jay’s newfound prodigy anymore. He was his peer, accomplishing in three albums what it took Jay six to do. However, placing Jay Z on a mantle made perfect sense for West; he’s always needed something to strive for.

The day Graduation was released in ‘07 was a day West had been waiting on his whole life: It was the day he became legendary. But it wasn’t a victory lap, it was the dawn of a new day where Kanye West would shine on a whole new level. “Good Morning.”