After much anticipation and a few delays (three months approximate), Kanye West and Ty Dolla $ign finally dropped Vultures 2 in August 2024. Following the success of Vultures 1 earlier this year, this second installment came with high expectations. The 16-track album dives deep into a mix of experimental sounds, from heavy synths to introspective themes, and features collaborations with some of hip-hop’s biggest names like Playboi Carti, Kodak Black, Lil Wayne, and Future.
When listening to Vultures 2, one thing is clear: the project is a wild fusion of ideas which is very typical for Mr. West. At its best, it’s a chaotic rave soundtrack, while at its worst, it feels disjointed and thrown together. Kanye’s unpredictable style is in full force, but Ty Dolla $ign often steals the spotlight with his smooth vocals, Field Trip is a great example of that. The album jumps between vibes—sometimes it’s brooding and dark, and other times it’s a chaotic, industrial mash-up of Kanye’s Yeezus era.
One of the standout aspects of Vultures 2 is its diversity in production, even though it doesn’t always hit the mark. Tracks like “Slide” open the album with an energy that brings listeners into the unique world of Kanye and Ty. The production on “River” is also a highlight, with a mix of eerie beats and strong guest appearances from artists like Young Thug, adding much-needed vibrancy to the album’s darker moments.
But not every track lands. Critics have noted that some songs feel unfinished (half the album if you ask me), and the overall project lacks the cohesion you’d expect from two artists of this caliber. Kanye’s verses, especially on songs like “530,” offer glimpses of self-reflection, but they’re quickly overshadowed by his more hedonistic and aggressive lyrics, which at times, border on misogyny. Tracks like “Dead” and “Fried” were also called out for being repetitive and lacking originality. Despite these low points, there are moments where the chemistry between Kanye and Ty shines, particularly on the closing track, “My Soul,” where Ty Dolla $ign’s emotional vocals hit home.
The Top Five Songs on Vultures 2 according to me:
- Lifestyle – The highest-rated track by fans, “Lifestyle” encapsulates the energetic spirit of the album with Kanye and Ty’s dynamic performances over a driving beat. It’s a high-energy anthem that captures both artists at their best.
- Slide – As the opening track and the album’s single, “Slide” is a clear favorite. Ty’s smooth vocals and the venomous beat switch draw listeners in, setting the tone for what’s to come.
- Field Trip – This track stands out for its eerie production and strong guest appearance from Playboi Carti. It’s one of the more unique cuts on the album, giving it an edge over other songs. Kodak Black also added a lot with his verse to the song.
- 530 – One of the more introspective tracks, “530” deals with themes of family and relationships, giving us a rare glimpse into Kanye’s struggles, especially his complicated relationship with his ex-wife Kim Kardashian.
- Sky City – A fan-favorite due to its Yandhi-era vibes, “Sky City” features a more relaxed, contemplative mood, offering a break from the more chaotic energy found elsewhere on the album.
By breaking the whole album down, song by song, Vultures 2 is an experience that divides listeners. For die-hard fans of Kanye’s experimental style, it will likely be seen as another bold chapter in his career. But for others, the lack of focus and the chaotic mix of sounds may leave fans empty-handed. Either way, it’s clear that Kanye West and Ty Dolla $ign still have plenty of ideas up their sleeves, and with a third installment potentially on the way, fans will no doubt keep listening.