After nearly five months of anticipation, “VULTURES 2” is finally available on all streaming platforms. Initially set to release on March 8th, the album, a collaboration between Ty Dolla $ign and Kanye West, follows Kanye’s pattern of delays. Fans enjoyed “VULTURES 1” but hoped for growth in the follow-up projects.

During the hiatus, fans feared “VULTURES 2” might become another lost Kanye album. However, various song leaks over the months kept excitement alive. Despite the long silence, especially from Kanye, Ty Dolla $ign hinted in July that the album could drop any day. Finally, on August 3rd, after a hint on Kanye’s “YZY” website, the album was released.

“VULTURES 2” features 16 tracks, clocking in at 50 minutes—similar to its predecessor. While the lyricism has slightly improved, the album still leans on its production and hype energy rather than storytelling. It’s more balanced and has greater replay value than “VULTURES 1,” which relied heavily on a few standout tracks. If you’re into creative beats and hype music, this album might be for you. It includes features from Future, Lil Durk, Lil Baby, Kodak Black, and Playboi Carti, among others.

The album opens with “SLIDE,” a track that sets the tone with a long instrumental intro, signaling that the wait is over. Ty Dolla $ign delivers a solid flow, while Kanye reflects on his impact on the industry, with production that’s on another level. Throughout the album, Ty stands out as the X-factor, consistently delivering strong performances, while Kanye shines in tracks like “PROMOTION,” where Future’s presence is also felt.

Notable tracks include “SLIDE,” “FIELD TRIP,” “FRIED,” “PROMOTION,” and “530.” “FIELD TRIP,” featuring Playboi Carti, Don Toliver, and a surprise appearance by Kodak Black, and “FRIED,” with its energetic vibe reminiscent of “CARNIVAL” from “VULTURES 1,” are high-energy standouts. “530” sees Kanye turning his pain from his messy divorce into a powerful track, echoing the emotional depth of “Saint Pablo” and “FML” from “The Life of Pablo.”

Overall, “VULTURES 2” is a smoother, more polished experience than its predecessor, with Ty Dolla $ign earning well-deserved recognition and Kanye showing slight lyrical improvement. It’s a solid listen with more replay value than the first album.

“VULTURES 2”

YZY

Release: 8/3/24

Rating: 6.8/10