I don't think Kanye's work is all that ground breaking. However, it is ground breaking in the mainstream, and he is bringing depth to a shallow mainstream genr

I don't think Kanye's work is all that ground breaking. However, it is ground breaking in the mainstream, and he is bringing depth to a shallow mainstream genre. I think that is is main achievement. If you listen to music outside of the mainstream (yes, even rap), 808s and Heartbreak doesn't seem like that original or impressive of an album, and there are works by other artists that are far less appreciated or noticed but could make bigger impacts both musically and socially. I do, however, really enjoy a few of the songs on that album, and I think Kanye is an inspiring person even if he can be a total douche.