I’m an arts writer, researcher and critic based in Australia, open to commissions and collaborations.
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VULTURES 1
Kanye West & Ty Dolla $ign
Written by Olivia J. Bennett
Published in print by The Big Issue AU
Issue #706 | 01 March 2024
Kanye West's eagerly awaited Vultures 1 is as provocative as anticipated. The album's lyrics, reflecting West's headline-making life, showcase more of a triumph in style than substance. Collaborating with Ty Dolla $ign, the production innovatively melds drum beats echoing 808s & Heartbreak with the group choruses of Jesus is King and Graduation. Tracks like ‘STARS,’ ‘TALKING,’ and ‘KEYS TO MY LIFE’ demonstrate West's pursuit of fresh sounds. However, the focus on the opulent and ignorant lifestyles of the elite, particularly in songs like ‘FUK SUMN,’ ‘BACK TO ME,’ and ‘CARNIVAL,’ blends well with this new sonic direction but clashes in tracks like ‘DO IT’ and ‘PAPERWORK.’ The album is a testament to West's signature mix of laid-back style and serious artistry, reflecting his evolution over the years. Its independent production and distribution signal a bold leap for the genre and a turning point for the industry. Yet, the album's message, highlighted in the Chris Brown-featured ‘BEG FORGIVENESS,’ leaves room for a deeper, more meaningful narrative in West's future work.