After multiple delays and teases of dropping their newest album, Kanye West and Ty Dolla $ign have finally released “Vultures 1” on Feb. 9. At first, the album was available to users of every music streaming service, except Spotify. According to West’s Instagram story posted on Feb. 10 it has now been deleted, and Spotify experienced a significant delay with the live release of the album. Despite all of the drama surrounding this much-anticipated release, it is now available on all platforms. 

The track list contains 16 songs, with features including Playboi Carti, Travis Scott, Quavo, North West, Lil Durk and more. As a big Kanye West fan, I have been waiting for this album ever since it was first confirmed to be released back in Oct. 2023. Now after my first run through the album, I want to share my thoughts and my top five favorite songs. 

This song had an interesting concept, with a lot of eclectic sounds and beats mixed together. I loved the sudden uses of the distorted bass lines and synths. Quavo was featured on this song, but his performance did not stick out to me in any kind of a striking way. Also, I was expecting some kind of beat drop towards the end of the song, since there was tension throughout the entirety of the track, but it never happened. Overall, it was a solid piece, but the missing beat drop gives this a 7/10.

Naturally, intro songs to albums are shorter than the rest on the track list, but I wish “STARS” was longer. The beat feels uplifting, and the harmony of both West’s and Dolla $ign’s vocals make it a great listen. Again, the only wish I had for this song was for it to be longer, and maybe have some more samples/verses on it. However, it is a great opener with some great melodies, giving it a 7.5/10.

From the start, I could tell I was going to like this song. I absolutely loved the different sounds combined to make the beat feel loose and free. Then, Playboi Carti started, which made this track even better. He has recently started rapping in a lower voice, which I prefer over his higher pitch. The features weren’t over though. As a big Travis Scott fan, I fell in love with this song, even though he only had a few verses. I loved the catchy hook to this song as well. West, Carti, and Scott did a phenomenal job, which I expect nothing less from them. Therefore, this track gets an 8/10.

“GO! GO! GO! GO!” This song was so catchy. The choir aspect was genius, and made it exciting throughout the entire track. Towards the middle of the song, there is an electric guitar sample that added great detail to what is already an addicting melody. Playboi Carti was featured again, and he didn’t disappoint. It was the ideal song for him to be included on, and I cannot wait to see videos of mosh pits with “CARNIVAL” in the background posted all over social media in the future. This song deserves an 8.5/10. 

This may be a controversial take to put at number one, but “BURN” felt like a vintage Kanye masterpiece. It had “The College Dropout” and “Graduation” vibes written all over it. Seriously, this is one of, if not my favorite verse from West in recent years. The dynamics of the beat made this track such an enjoyable vibe. Dolla $ign’s hook elevated this song as well, which made the beat infectious to listen to. My only wish for this song would be to make it at least a minute longer. Despite that, this track was my favorite song on “Vultures,” and it deserves a 9/10.

When it is all said and done, this album was intriguing to listen to. Even though West did not have as many verses as I thought he would have, Ty Dolla $ign did a great job in collaboration with him. This album had some exciting tracks, but also included some bland performances. “Vultures 1” is the debut album of two others as part of West’s and Dolla $ign’s “Vultures” project that will (hopefully) be released throughout 2024. Overall, it deserves a 7/10, but I would definitely recommend it to someone who loves the rap/R&B category.