Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, and Ty Dolla $ign released their collaborative album, “Vultures 1,” on the early morning of Feb. 10, coincidentally on the 20-year anniversary of Ye’s first studio album “The College Dropout.”
The unconventional album rollout saw the rap duo hold four different listening parties for the project in Miami, Las Vegas, New York and Chicago. After promised release dates of Dec. 15, Dec. 30 and Jan. 12, the album was released to initial praise from fans, reaching No. 1 on iTunes within hours of its release. It also clinched the No. 1 spot in 109 countries in just four days.
The 16-track project meshes different production styles, along with star-studded features including Playboi Carti, Quavo, Lil Durk and more. If you’re looking for something specific out of Ye from this project, you should come out pleased.
Looking for the old Kanye? Look no further than “Burn,” a track that sees the Chicago native go back to his roots lyrically and of his sound from his sophomore album “Late Registration.” If you’re looking for “Yeezus”-inspired material, the vulgar and intense “Hoodrat” has you covered tenfold.
As for the chemistry between the two rappers, Ty Dolla $ign’s heavenly vocals and bridges mix greatly with Ye’s verses and choruses. The album clocks in at just under an hour, which gives the listener ample time to get adjusted to the unique style of the duo.
Many fans questioned whether or not Ty Dolla $ign could hold his own on the project, or if he would just be cast aside with Ye getting all the limelight. Not only did Ty Dolla $ign hold his own, but on some of the songs he was even the highlight. The rapper’s fantastic hook on “Do It” and verse on the title track “Vultures” are high points on the project.
Perhaps the most unique feature of the entire project is that of Ye’s 10-year-old daughter, North West. West’s feature on “Talking” went viral in December when her father first previewed music for the project. The line, “It’s your bestie, miss miss Westie” was impossible to escape from if you use TikTok or Instagram. Miss Westie indeed did impress on her first-ever release, and I wouldn’t be opposed to seeing her feature on another one of her father’s songs, or even release a song of her own.
The highlight of the album is “Carnival,” which features Rich the Kid and Playboi Carti. The high-energy, intense and anthem- like song can be compared to Travis Scott’s “FE!N” from his 2023 album “Utopia.” Don’t be surprised the next time you go to the gym and you hear this song blasting from someone’s headphones.
Originally, there was potential for the song to be left off the project after Ozzy Osbourne protested on social media the use of a sample from Black Sabbath’s “Iron Man” being used on “Carnival.” On X, formerly known as Twitter, and Instagram, Osbourne claimed to have never approved the sample and wanted nothing to do with Ye.
“@KANYEWEST ASKED PERMISSION TO SAMPLE A SECTION OF A 1983 LIVE PERFORMANCE OF ‘IRON MAN’ FROM THE US FESTIVAL WITHOUT VOCALS & WAS REFUSED PERMISSION BECAUSE HE IS AN ANTISEMITE AND HAS CAUSED UNTOLD HEARTACHE TO MANY,” Osbourne posted. “HE WENT AHEAD AND USED THE SAMPLE ANYWAY AT HIS ALBUM LISTENING PARTY LAST NIGHT. I WANT NO ASSOCIATION WITH THIS MAN!”
Ye would end up switching the sample and instead replaced it with a bridge from his 2010 song “Hell of a Life,” which just so happens to interpolate “Iron Man.”
Osbourne’s post refers to months of controversy surrounding a series of social media posts and interviews where Ye made a series of comments referencing what is generally regarded as harmful Jewish stereotypes and voiced praise for Nazis. The rapper, however, denies that he is antisemitic and has addressed the claims in both interviews and his music — including this album.
Not every unique action Ye attempted on his new project worked, however. On the track “Paid,” the Chicagoan uses high-pitched voice inflections that didn’t suit my ears well. However, the song itself is redeemed with a chorus from Ty Dolla $ign that will lift you out of your seat with its celestial hooks.
On the final track, “King,” the Chicago rapper mentions just a few of the many labels people have put on him over the past decade.
“‘Crazy, bipolar, antisemite’ and I’m still the king / Still the king, still / They thought headlines was my kryptonite, still the king, still the king.”
Overall, “Vultures 1” is a great listen that reminds you of the old Kanye while at the same time giving the listener a unique project with different items to offer.
Ye has become known as an unreliable source for his own album releases, spanning from his 2018 promise of the futuristic-sounding (and yet to be released) album “Yandhi,” so take this with a grain of salt. But according to the man himself, volumes two and three of “Vultures” are expected to release on March 8 and April 5, respectively.
“Vultures 1” doesn’t take itself too seriously; it’s a fun, enjoyable listen that allows someone to get an entire view of Ye’s artistic ability along with Ty Dolla $ign’s incredible hooks and vocal range. So if Ye’s music is still on your radar, his newest project is something worth checking out.
ZC • Feb 16, 2024 at 11:37 am
Kanye is a garbage antisemite and this review defends that. Promoting his music and giving it high praise defends that too. Why was this review run?