Kanye West and Ty Dolla Sign’s collaborative effort, Vultures 1, arrived on February 10, 2024, amidst significant controversy surrounding West’s recent remarks. Despite the cloud hanging over the release, the album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, marking West’s eleventh number-one album and a first for Ty Dolla Sign. However, critical reception has been far from unanimous.
Musically, the album boasts an impressive list of collaborators, including Freddie Gibbs, YG, Quavo, Playboi Carti, and Travis Scott. Production is largely handled by West himself, with contributions from industry veterans like Timbaland and No I.D. The sonic landscape leans heavily on contemporary hip-hop trends, with booming bass, trap-influenced beats, and auto-tuned vocals (Billboard).
However, critics are divided on the album’s overall quality. Some find the production impressive, praising the experimental sound and Ty Dolla Sign’s smooth vocals. Others, however, find the sound derivative and lacking originality, criticizing a sense of repetitiveness (Forbes).
Lyrically, the album is perhaps its most controversial aspect. While West has always been known for his outspoken nature, many critics find the lyrics on Vultures 1 particularly problematic. They point to a lack of self-awareness regarding West’s recent controversies, with some even suggesting a sense of justification in the lyrics. Ramapo Physics teacher, Mr Tuohy, shared, “I know Kanye is a controversial celebrity but I like to block that out and try to enjoy the music. I like a lot of his older stuff and haven’t been updated with his newer songs so I would definitely listen and I am excited to see what his new sound is like.”
Ultimately, Vultures 1 is an album that is as difficult to ignore as it is to listen to. While some may find enjoyment in the production and Ty Dolla Sign’s contributions, the shadow of West’s recent actions looms large, leaving a bitter taste for many listeners. Whether the album is remembered more for its music or its controversy remains to be seen. The album contains highlights in tracks such as “Carnival,” where the song contains a catchy and memorable chorus alongside a strong beat with a powerful bass. Strong features were delivered from Rich the Kid and Playboi Carti alongside strong performances from Kanye West and Ty Dolla Sign, leaving fans in a debate on who had the strongest verse. Ramapo Senior, Gavin Taylor, shared, “My favorite song on the album is probably “Problematic.” I really enjoyed the nostalgia from this song as it felt like the older Kanye sound which originally made me a fan of his music. Ty Dolla Sign and Kanye meshed well together on this track and I enjoy a lot of the topics and questions from fans he regarded on the track.”
Overall, Vultures 1 is a complex and challenging album to assess. It undoubtedly has its highs, but the baggage it carries may be too heavy for many listeners to ignore.
