How far can skill and notoriety get you? How far can you go before you cross the line? And after you’ve crossed the line, can you ever go back? For the past few years, these questions have surrounded the renowned producer Kanye West as he shocked the world with several controversial statements.
Following a series of incredibly contentious tweets, interviews, and public statements, covering everything from anti-semitism to American politics, (as well as a very messy divorce) Kanye West has seemingly split the music world. Although a number of his fans rushed to his defense, many more turned away from him, disgusted with his actions.
Seemingly dividing the industry and sparking controversy after controversy, Kanye continued to share his rampant ideas, showing no remorse for the damage he was doing. Some fans defended his music, claiming to separate the art from the artist, while other groups cut him off, fearing controversy.
This all came to a head with the release of “Vultures 1.” The collaboration between Kanye and singer-songwriter Ty Dolla $ign had fans buzzing from the moment it was announced. Since the project was declared, hundreds of questions were raised. Could this be an apology? A return to form for the once-visionary rapper? Possibly even an entirely new direction? After several delays and some release date drama, fans got their answer.
Unfortunately, the album was probably the worst possible answer Kanye could give to his fans. “Vultures 1” is one of his worst albums. Listening to it feels like Kanye looked at all the controversy he has created and decided he could make it so, so much worse. Containing some of the most absurd statements and decisions, fans could no longer claim to separate the art from what he has said.
The content itself, while shocking, is not the only issue with this album. Kanye seems to phone-in verses on several of the tracks such as “King” and “Burn,” giving some of the worst rapping performances of his career. Meanwhile, the contribution of Ty Dolla $ign to the album is almost nonexistent, providing no substantive impact on the collaboration.
Kanye seems determined to make this album a failure. The song “Back to Me” provides one of the strangest samples ever heard on a rap track, while the song “Carnival” delivers downright generic beats and boring verses.
The album’s one saving grace is the part Kanye had nothing to do with. The features on the album were truly the only highlight of the project. With impressive verses from notable rappers and artists (like Playboy Carti, Freddie Gibbs, and Chris Brown), each brings some energy to the album. Unfortunately, their efforts were not enough and only served to show how lackluster Kanye’s own performance really was.
Overall, the album is a huge disappointment, serving only to please the fanatics who hang onto Kanye’s every word. Providing no insight into who he is, no depth for his artistry, and serves only to further dig his own grave with the controversies he creates.
