Kanye West, now known as Ye, has had a difficult few years since the release of the highly anticipated Donda project, his first of the new decade. Donda certainly reflected the life of the artist at that point.
Since his work My Beautiful Twisted Dark Fantasy in 2010 his music has felt sporadic, the results of erratic workings across a number of different recording sessions spread across a number of years, not necessarily all to be released on the same project.
Following the Donda disappointment, Ye has created a whole world of problems for himself and his brand. Antisemitic comments and controversial rants against the political and cultural systems of the world have seen him lose his Adidas deal along with being ‘blacklisted’ by venues and companies across the industry.
Ye has been open with his mental health difficulties since divorcing Kim Kardashian and has since apologised for antisemitic outbursts and his support of Donald Trump. Whilst then coming out to support Donald Trump again in 2024.
In the build up to this album, Ye married his new spouse Bianca Censori, an ex-yeezy model who features with Ye on the cover of his new project. An image which reflects the sensationalised sexualised imagery present throughout the content of the album.
‘Stars’ opens the album with the choir-like chorus that we are used to hearing in the adopted gospel-style, Christianity inspiration on Ye’s latest projects.
Greatly contrasted by ‘Back To Me’ which focuses on “beautiful big t***y women not falling out of the sky”. The concurrent themes of the album: sex and women.
‘Talking’ was released the night of the album and features the vocals of North West over classic Ye production. Rap artists placing their kids on songs seems to have become a trend and was subject of great debate on social media as fans compared Drake’s Adonis’ ‘my man freestyle’ to North West’s verse. This song seems like a fantastic opportunity unfortunately wasted with the performance.
‘F*K Sum’ was highly anticipated during listening parties across the globe, a song stacked with features from Playboi Carti and Travis Scott. Ty Dolla $ign creates a smooth hook but it is divided with lacklustre verses from the genres most popular artists.
The first single of the album, ‘Vultures’, released in 2023, utilises heavenly production to create a surreal listening experience. As per its writer, ‘Vultures’ does not shy away from controversy as Ye asks listeners “How can I be antisemitic?” if he is to hook up with a Jewish woman. A strong appearance for fellow Chicago rapper Lil Durk culminates the song into the most complete on the project.
‘Carnival’, the most popular song since the album’s release, interestingly features vocals from Inter Milan’s Curva Nord Ultras as the backing to the trac, explaining what Ye was doing in Italy apart from walking around almost barefoot in his new Yeezy pods and having fun on the canal boats.
Despite some controversial lyrics, features from Rich the Kid and Playboi Carti create an upbeat headbanger which will create a great experience for concert-goers. A unique chanting song style which we are yet to see in the rap genre.
‘Beg forgiveness’ is another standout from the album. Chris Brown’s expressive vocal range takes control of the beginning and the hook of the song. This is then followed by a verse reminiscent of Ye’s work on Yeezus.
With content that greatly contrasts the rest of the album, the song sees Ye asking for forgiveness and wanting his children to have a good life off the back of his success. It is a six minute tune that is a welcome break from the sexual undertones of the rest of the Vultures.
‘King’ is a satirical ending to the album encompassing Ye’s public persona, as he stated “I am a god”. It will come as no surprise to haters and fans alike that he believes he is still the king even after everything he has done to upset others.
Ty Dolla $ign’s vocals, present throughout the album are utilised well for the choruses and hooks of the project. His silky vocals slide through each song and give Ye free range to sing on songs like ‘Problematic’ and solely rap on songs like ‘Vultures’.
Ty Dolla $ign does his work and makes no mistakes, an impressive and easily underappreciated appearance on a once in a lifetime collaboration album with Kanye West. Is what I would say if there are not two more volumes promised to release in the coming months…
An impressive first issue, only time will tell if Ye and Ty Dolla $ign are able to replicate the clean and complete finish of Vultures Vol 1.
6/10