The 2008 nominees for Best Rap Album included Common, Jay-Z, Kanye West, Nas and T.I.. Kanye West won for his album Graduation

• "While it might not be as substantial a record as we're used to hearing from him, it is his greatest leap forward, and further proof that few are as skilled at tracing out the complicated contours of pride, success and ambition as he is."—PitchforkPitchfork: Graduation Review (September 11, 2007)

• "Musically, at least, it's the most accomplished thing he's ever done. "—Stylus MagazineStylus Magazine: Graduation Review (September 9, 2007)

• "On Graduation, West tries hard to address the problems on his first two albums, and succeeds: The new disc is tighter than "Late Registration" (fifty-one minutes long), with no skits (thank heavens) and less ornate production."—Rolling StoneRolling Stone: Graduation Review (2007)