Over the last decade, Kanye has had his fair share of media appearances—many for the wrong reasons. With the release of The Life of Pablo in 2016, Kanye’s writing has become increasingly sporadic. His albums have no clear vision yet still produce critical adoration from his fans. 

Both Donda and Vultures are close to being masterpieces of an album but are rushed and overstuffed with lyrics, Vultures more so.

Vultures 1 — his collaborative album with Ty Dolla $ign — displays as a complete but somewhat disorientated album aside from a few songs. Many songs need more fulfillment of genuine lyricism, unfinished vocals, and samples. Vultures 1 is also Kanye’s first independent album under his record YZY. The release itself was in the early morning of February 10th, a few hours after a listening party, which prompted many fans to believe he would drop at midnight. It’s recently gained controversy for hitting #1 on both Apple Music and Spotify Global 100 but was shortly taken down at random points of the day.

It is worth individually praising Ty Dolla $ign for his part of the album. Expecting it to be more Kanye ft. Ty, his verses held their own and shined throughout the albums and oftentimes better than Kanye’s, his vocals are really shown in songs such as “BEG FORGIVENESS” and “DO IT”.

“STARS” provides an amazing opening; Kanye’s delivery of the use of the sample “Good Luck” by Dijon alongside the powerful chorus and drums provides a great opening track. The album is filled with Ye breaking into his mellow voice providing a stark but needed contrast to Ty’s delivery which sounds as smooth and rugged at once. The album is also filled with amazing samples and chorus parts; “KEYS TO MY LIFE” concludes with a melancholic signing of the words, “Keys to my life”. During this song, Kanye gets personal, speaking about past relationships and his mother’s death.

Some songs, however, comprise a prolix description of nothing. “PAID”, offers Ty singing the lines, “I’m just here to get paid” for nearly half the song, providing nothing but tautology. North West also made her first appearance on “TALKING” which later made the Billboard’s Hot 100. The song itself includes North’s part but an impactful piece from Ty who speaks of his struggles as a parent. 

As for the heavy hitters and fan favorites of the album, “BACK TO ME”, “BURN”, “CARNIVAL”, and “PROBLEMATIC” provide amazing samples and melodic harmony to them, creating a unique vibe to each. “CARNIVAL” features a must-hear verse from Playboi Carti, a much-needed collaboration.

“BURN” is a melodic masterpiece, featuring Ty Dolla $ign’s catchy hook to match Kanye’s flow. This song seems like a modern version of his old self, straight out of Late Registration. The incredible production on “PROBLEMATIC” is matched by Ye and Ty’s flows, both going back and forth. The trumpets on this song bind it together. However, Ye’s questionable bars make the song unlistenable at times. 

Overall the album is a 7.7, with very high highs, the sporadic Kanye lyrics often divert the meaning of the song as a whole. Kanye ends the album with “KING”, which as you can imagine, is him talking about being king of the industry. Ty Dolla $ign does a great job on the album, providing verses and vocals that brightly shine. Vultures 1 is dotted with samples, beats, and Ty’s vocals that make it irresistible.