“VULTURES 1” has been available on all streaming platforms for nearly 4 weeks now, although it was initially planned for a New Year’s Eve release. Aas is customary for Kanye West, his releases often experience delays. The single “VULTURES,” which dropped in November, offered a sneak peek into the upcoming collaborative album with Kanye West and Ty Dolla $ign.
Before the inception of this album, Kanye West made headlines with controversial statements, including references to Hitler that sparked widespread discussion on social media. After a two-year hiatus from the music scene, a tweet on the platform “X” revealed that a collaborative album was underway. Fans were treated to listening parties in various international locations, showcasing several songs, some of which didn’t make the final tracklist. Notably, Kanye made an Instagram story that hints at sequels, “VULTURES 2” and “VULTURES 3,” with Vultures 2 to be on all platforms as he said on “March 8th.” While the specifics remain uncertain, anticipation builds for an abundance of new music on the horizon.
“Delving into ‘VULTURES 1,’ the album unveils a collection of 15 tracks, clocking in at a concise 52 minutes. While this may seem relatively short for a Kanye album, it leaves listeners yearning for more by its conclusion. Yet, the excitement builds as two additional projects are on the way, adding to the anticipation of what’s to come.
“Vultures 1” isn’t a smooth listen; it lacks cohesive storytelling and compelling lyricism. The lyrics feel inconsistent, like navigating a minefield. If you’re more of a person who prefers lyricism over anything else, this album isn’t for you. However, the production, typical of Kanye’s albums, is excellent, with incredible beats and instrumentals. Despite questionable bars and hooks, there are standout features from Travis Scott, Playboi Carti, Lil Durk, Chris Brown, etc.
The album opens with “STARS,” providing a solid introduction to the themes of the track list, with subtle references to Jesus, decently crafted lyrics, and superb production. “TALKING,” featuring Kanye’s daughter, adds a heartwarming touch of family involvement, yet he introspectively ponders, “I just hope I haven’t been the wrong influence,” reflecting on his parenting amidst recent controversies.
While “BACK TO ME” boasts top-tier production and a standout feature from Freddie Gibbs, it’s marred by Kanye’s questionable lyric: “Beautiful big t*tty butt n*ked women just don’t fall out of the sky, you know.” This line detracts from an otherwise flawless track highlighted by Ty’s impeccable performance and Freddie’s stellar contribution. Throughout the album, there’s a recurring theme of songs lacking depth and meaningful substance, despite Ty’s solid flow.
The album’s standout tracks include “BURN,” which captures the intense feeling of love with its soothing production, while also touching on the tendency for people to focus on Kanye’s struggles rather than his successes, and Ty reflects on the importance of women in life. “F*K SUMN” is a high-energy banger with an infectious beat, elevated by impressive features from Playboi Carti and Travis. “CARNIVAL” maintains the energy with stellar performances from Kanye, Ty, Rich the Kid, and Playboi Carti, making it the standout track of the album.
“VULTURES 1” offers a solid listening experience, but it’s not without its flaws. Ty Dolla $ign’s presence on the album is somewhat overshadowed by Kanye, likely due to the recent prominence of both artists. However, the track still delivers an enjoyable listen for fans.
“VULTURES 1”
YZY
Release: 2/10/24
Rating: 6.5/10
