Graduation is the third studio album by the American rapper Kanye West. It was released on September 11, 2007, through Def Jam Recordings and Roc-A-Fella Records. Recording sessions took place between 2005 and 2007 at several studios in New York and Los Angeles. It was primarily produced by West himself, with contributions from various other producers, including DJ Toomp. The album features guest appearances from recording artists such as Dwele, T-Pain, Lil Wayne, Mos Def, DJ Premier, and Chris Martin. The cover art, which features West's mascot at the time Dropout Bear in a new cartoon form, had its interior artwork designed by contemporary artist Takashi Murakami.