Kanye West and Ty Dolla $ign’s collaborative album, “VULTURES 1,” dropped on February 23, 2024, marking the first installment in a planned trilogy. This highly anticipated release, West’s first since 2021, arrived after several delays but largely delivered on its promise. As fans and critics dissect each track, the conversation inevitably circles back to the essence of the project, often encapsulated by what many are calling the “Vultures Song” and the overall album experience.
Overall Score: 4/5 Stars
The album presents a compelling blend of sounds and styles, showcasing the dynamic partnership between West and Dolla $ign. While not every track hits the mark, the album’s high points are undeniable, making it a strong contender in the current rap landscape.
Track-by-Track Analysis of “VULTURES 1”
1. STARS: 4.5/5
“STARS” serves as a potent opener, immediately establishing the album’s sonic direction. The beat is meticulously crafted, providing a robust foundation for the track. The vocal arrangement, particularly the choral elements in the intro and outro, adds a unique and compelling dimension, setting it apart from typical rap song structures. This track successfully sets a high bar for the rest of the album and is a strong example of a standout “vultures song” from the collection.
2. KEYS TO MY LIFE: 2.8/5
In contrast, “KEYS TO MY LIFE” feels somewhat disjointed. The song lacks a cohesive theme, and the numerous shifts in rhythm and melody come across as erratic rather than innovative. The production quality of the beat also doesn’t quite reach the standard set by other tracks on the album, making it a weaker link in the overall project.
3. PAID: 3.8/5
“PAID” is significantly elevated by Ty Dolla $ign’s standout verse. While Kanye West’s contribution feels somewhat less impactful, the clever interpolation of The Police’s “Roxanne” provides a memorable and well-received moment. The beat is undeniably catchy and club-ready, contributing to a track that, while not perfect, is certainly enjoyable and doesn’t disappoint.
4. TALKING: 1.5/5
“TALKING” is widely considered the album’s low point. The inclusion of vocals from West’s daughter, North, falls into a current rap trend that often misses the mark. The cheerleader sample throughout the song is also notably grating. Dolla $ign’s verse remains a redeeming feature, but it’s not enough to salvage the track from its shortcomings.
5. BACK TO ME: 4.1/5
“BACK TO ME” injects a dose of humor and levity into the album through samples of dialogue from the movie “Dogma.” This track is noticeably more upbeat and energetic, reflecting the apparent fun West and Dolla $ign had in its creation. This infectious energy translates well to the listener, making it a highlight of the album’s more playful side.
6. HOODRAT: 3.4/5
The beat of “HOODRAT” is technically impressive, particularly the percussion. Both West and Dolla $ign deliver strong vocal performances. However, the repetitive sample of West’s voice saying “hoodrat” becomes an overwhelming distraction, detracting from the otherwise solid musical elements of the song.
7. DO IT: 3.8/5
“DO IT” further underscores Ty Dolla $ign’s consistent strength throughout the album. While West’s verse is competent, it’s Dolla $ign who truly shines. The song’s upbeat tempo contributes to its enjoyable listenability, and Dolla $ign’s vocal prowess remains a reliable asset.
8. PAPERWORK: 3.6/5
“PAPERWORK,” featuring Quavo, is a solid track, though it doesn’t quite reach the heights of the album’s best offerings. Quavo’s verse, while strong, feels too brief. The beat and samples lean towards a rougher, less polished sound, which ultimately adds to the song’s unique appeal.
9. BURN: 5/5
“BURN” stands out as a near-perfect track and a strong contender for the album’s best. It’s simply a pleasure to listen to, with both West and Dolla $ign delivering engaging verses. The song evokes a feeling of cruising with the windows down, perfectly capturing a sense of freedom and enjoyment.
10. F*K SUMN: 4.9/5
“F*K SUMN” is undeniably one of the album’s strongest tracks, featuring Travis Scott and Playboi Carti. Playboi Carti delivers a standout verse, particularly his transition out of Rich The Kid’s section. While Travis Scott’s verse is somewhat underwhelming for his usual standards – feeling shorter and less energetic – the track remains a high point. The only minor drawback is a peculiar vocal bridge that sounds somewhat out of place.
11. VULTURES: 4.8/5
The title track, “VULTURES,” released prior to the album, faced surprisingly negative initial reactions. However, within the context of the full album, it’s clear that “VULTURES” is significantly underrated. It’s a well-crafted song in every aspect – from the lyrics to the beat and vocal performances – demonstrating a cohesive and high-quality musical piece. This “vultures song,” as the centerpiece of the album, deserves a second listen for those who initially dismissed it.
12. CARNIVAL: 5/5
“CARNIVAL” achieves near perfection. Originally featuring a sample from Black Sabbath’s “Iron Man,” legal concerns led to a change to a sample of West’s own “Hell of a Life.” This alteration arguably improved the song, with the new sample providing a seamless transition into West’s verse. Rich the Kid’s opening verse effectively sets the track’s energetic tone, and Carti delivers arguably the best verse on the entire album. The powerful beat and chanting create an unparalleled level of energy.
13. BEG FORGIVENESS: 5/5
“BEG FORGIVENESS” is spearheaded by Ty Dolla $ign, showcasing his most compelling performance on the album. His lyrics express raw emotion, and his vocal delivery is captivating. The beat switch and chant introduction in the song’s middle section are skillfully executed, a marked improvement over similar techniques in other tracks. While West’s verse is solid, Dolla $ign’s contribution truly defines this track.
14. PROBLEMATIC: 3.7/5
“PROBLEMATIC” is built on strong melodic and rhythmic foundations, making it an enjoyable listen. The primary drawback lies in some of West’s more questionable lyrical choices. Despite this, the song holds its own within the album and is certainly better than some of the weaker tracks.
15. KING: 3.4/5
“KING” is perhaps the most unremarkable track on the album. It doesn’t particularly stand out in either a positive or negative way. While West’s lyrical choices are again somewhat odd, the overall production quality remains consistent with the rest of the album.
Final Verdict: “VULTURES 1” – A Promising Start
“VULTURES 1” ultimately earns a strong 4 out of 5 stars. Despite a few less impactful tracks, the album showcases the potent synergy between Kanye West and Ty Dolla $ign. With considerable musical talent on display, “VULTURES 1” establishes itself as a serious contender for “Best Rap Album of the Year.” The anticipation for the next installments in this trilogy is now even higher, fueled by the strengths and innovative moments within this initial “vultures song” collection. The album leaves listeners eager to see where this collaborative journey will lead next.
