Ranking Every Song on ‘Vultures 1’ by Kanye West & Ty Dolla $ign

Released: February 10, 2024

Featuring: Ty Dolla $ign, YG, Playboi Carti, Travis Scott, Freddie Gibbs, Quavo, the late Nipsey Hussle, Lil Durk, Bump J, Rich the Kid, Chris Brown, India Love, J. Rey Soul, and North (Kanye’s daughter).

Kicking game-changing flavor since his debut with “The College Dropout,” Kanye West is no doubt a titan when it comes to hip-hop and the music industry at large. This here ‘Vultures 1’ is another testament to ‘Ye’s vast talent and unorthodox storytelling. Lyrically, it paints a vivid picture, incorporating themes from his own life experiences and larger socio-cultural narratives, intertwining his personal triumphs and struggles with broader social and political dialogues.

Songs like “STARS,” “BEG FORGIVENESS,” and “GOOD (DON’T DIE)” serve not just as sonic delights, but as repositories of cultural critique and introspection. With Kanye’s penchant for provocative lyricism coupled with his masterful use of metaphors, entendre, and bricolage, ‘Vultures 1’ stimulates both the ear and the mind, establishing itself as another jewel in Kanye’s discography. Dissecting the lyrics of this album isn’t just about appreciating West’s lyrical prowess, it’s a journey into the epicenter of his thought process – navigating his world in 16 tracks.

So let’s get into it. From “STARS” to “KING,” here we are breaking down the best of the albums tracks in ‘Vultures 1’ by Kanye West and Ty Dollar $ign.

West strings together provocative imagery and audacious assertions, reflecting his lustful escapades and towering ambitions. He equates his sexual prowess to a wild ride at a carnival, symbolizing an exhilarating, dizzying experience. Additionally, West opts for incisive commentary on his wealth, stating he’s achieved the impossible, pointing to his immense success and influential status. Mention of Yeezy and Dolla $ign underscores his commercial feats and collaborations. Lastly, is the powerful assertion “young nigga, reach all the goals,” highlighting his determination to succeed in an industry that often marginalizes young black creatives.

Kanye, wearing his heart on his sleeve, speaks on the dangers of love, the constant scrutiny he endures, and his controversial decisions. His love life mirrors the wild west – chaotic, untamed, and brutal. He explores his tumultuous journey, from achieving celebrity status, to losing friends and significant wealth. The lyrics blend personal angst with cultural commentary – a swipe at R. Kelly and a subtle nod to Big Worm, a character from the urban classic “Friday”. In “BURN”, Kanye’s lyrics serve as both a warning and a confession, marking this track as a poignant highlight on ‘Vultures 1’.

His lyrical bravado, infused with his usual swagger, depicts late-night exploits and raw sexual energy. Underneath the seemingly surface-level party anthems, Ye offers a glimpse into his own struggle with the duality of fame and personal life. There’s a shade of the old Kanye here, the one unafraid to be risqué, intermingled with the matured Ye, layered and intricate. The track beautifully appropriates the hedonistic theme, making it a symbol for deeper emotional turmoil. It’s a testament to Kanye’s artistic brilliance that he can turn what seems like an explicit club banger into a reflection of his inner world.

The track traverses themes of love, heartbreak, and resilience in the face of romantic tribulations. Kanye’s clever wordplay – where he leverages pop culture icons like Urkel and Elon Musk – is strategically layered with amorous sentiments of longing and desire. It’s a piece laden with frisson and angst, embodying the Kanye zeitgeist. Kanye’s open dialogue on past tumultuous relationships encapsulate his lyrical genius and knack for authentic storytelling that resonates within the vast territories of hip-hop culture.

This track is a testament to Ye’s unwavering ambition, showcasing his laser-focused determination with lines like “we finna go where the stars at”. There’s a blend of wealth and faith, underscored by the mantra-like refrain “I hope he’s bright and big and strong” – a double entendre of his child’s future and his own ambitions. The lyrical audacity, evoked through the imagery of opulent, high-life living, fashions a portrait of Kanye as a man unapologetically chasing his dreams, rising to the top, and doing so with the kind of swaggering attitude that carved his place in the pantheon of hip-hop.

Ye ain’t just rapping, nah, he’s spilling his soul, letting us behind them closed doors. His words paint a picture of vulnerability, unveiling how he leans on relationships for solace given his mother’s absence. Nostalgic references to his humble beginnings, selling CDs to his homies and getting hyped on collabs with Timbo, are reflective of his journey and growth. It’s a Gen-Z, in-a-Benzy, Venmo-referencing, Papa Johns-eating narrative that unpacks his battle with moving past trauma and towards intimacy and trust. In layman’s terms, Kanye’s handing over the keys to his life, giving us an unfiltered look into what’s been making and breaking him.

The hedonistic banger mixing carnal desires with the world of excess finds Kanye in his bag, channeling his ’06 Gucci-era swagger. Through the lyrics, the Chi-Town rapper paints a picture dipped in opulence, replete with jacuzzi antics and visions of wads of cash hitting the dance floor. Kanye acts the provocateur, undeterred by any moral compass, emphasizing that his value cannot be hindered by external judgment. His raw, audacious bravado echoes throughout the track, laying bare the prowess and confidence that have always been at the heart of his artistry.

He methodically unpacks the quotidian struggle and grind, shining a light on the cold realities of money and fame. Yeezy brings forth the audacious truth that he’s in the game to get paid, all wrapped up in a thick veil of party rhythms and street-corner bravado. The chorus, laced with a driving repetition of “I’m just here to get paid,” ultimately becomes an anthem for the hustle, for the pursuit of paper in a world that measures worth in dollars. Yet, beneath the money-making motives, there’s a keen observation of the wider socio-economic structures that frame his narrative, making “PAID” a layered lyrical exploration of life in the limelight.

It’s Ye at his most vulnerable, reflecting on his trajectory and the repeating cycles of life, Kanye’s just talking. Through clever wordplay and poignant introspection, he tackles the bittersweet passage of time and looming responsibility. As the clouds gather to unleash unresolved issues, Kanye exposes his fear of becoming a malevolent influence, and the need to break generational curses. It’s a masterwork of introspection that cements Kanye as a lyrical visionary, humanizing the larger-than-life persona with common fears and worries. This track candidly illuminates Kanye’s growth and evolution, both as an artist and a man.

The track wrestles with the concept of wealth – both its allure and its pitfalls. The fixation on “getting the paper right” signifies Kanye’s relentless pursuit of success, though the lyrics hint at the dark side of this relentless grind. A recurring theme is the idea of fame and materialism as a double-edged sword. Kanye connects these themes to a broader narrative about the American Dream, evoking the image of Benjamin Franklin – the face of the $100 bill and a symbol of entrepreneurial success. Ultimately, “PAPERWORK” is a rich tapestry, intertwining threads of ambition, gratification, and the dangers of unchecked desire.

Kanye’s choice to ‘hang with the vultures’ emphasizes his outsider status amidst the rap game. He’s not about ‘rapper friends’ or collaborations, he’s doing his homework, putting in his own work. Even with the luxurious life he leads, he’s steeped in Chicago, bespeaking a hustler’s narrative. Amidst the diamond hoes turned influencers and ‘moe’ friends, Ye’s still got the streets in his veins, keeping it raw and real. Despite the beefs, heartbreaks, and controversies, Kanye proves once again, he’s not ‘really from Earth.’

This track is a sonic confessional, a heartfelt exposition of guilt, regret, and the human longing for forgiveness. His lyrical prowess lays bare the battle within, juxtaposing the pain of transgressions – “You’ve gone too far” – against the unyielding desire for absolution – “You should beg forgiveness of me.” Kanye explores the duality of strength and weakness, showing us that even the mightiest fall. With themes of enduring emotional turmoil and surviving life’s icy cold fronts, he tells us that it’s okay to stumble, urging us to live our truth, however messy it might be.

The lyrics display a kaleidoscope of Ye’s mind. He alludes to his trendsetter status, his firm belief in his influence, and his struggles against societal constraints. Kanye employs subtle humor, like referring to his notorious tantrums as anthems for hoes, while not shying away from raw, confrontational moments. Yeezy’s openness about his rendezvous with numerous women spark a conversation around polygamy, tying it back to ancient African traditions. Finally, the song maneuvers through his journey from shopping at Aldi’s to an extravagant lifestyle, challenging critics, and asserting his goat status. Kanye, with his lyrical prowess, paints a vivid portrait of a troubled, unapologetic genius navigating a contentious landscape.

Throughout the track, he repeats the term ‘hoodrat,’ a nod towards the street lifestyle he’s been associated with, yet his tone highlights the societal issues that come with it. Kanye delves into the dichotomy of love and respect within these seemingly gritty, harsh landscapes, punctuating a critical narrative about extravagant lifestyles with sharp self-reflection. Kanye’s lyrical dexterity vividly paints a picture of the struggles associated with fame, concluding with a bombshell about the complexity of his public persona, and how his assertive and often controversial disposition has been both a catalyst for his success and a point of severe critique.

Ye’s repeating refrain, “I’m alive, I’m alive,” is an affirmation of survival amidst trials, his triumph over personal demons. The song maintains a struggle with nocturnal thoughts – a common Kanye trope representing his battles with mental health. His plea, “Don’t Die,” directed to his heart on ice, is a poignant representation of his fight to preserve his emotional self despite the cold world around him. The journey of a thousand miles to see a smile indicates the lengths he’d go to find happiness, delivering a richly-layered sonic testament to his enduring strength and determination.

Yeezy takes a hard swing at critics who’ve labeled him ‘crazy’, ‘bipolar’, and ‘antisemite’, demonstrating resilience through adversity. He makes it clear: the negativity can’t dethrone him. He pivots on societal perception and his rocky personal journey, and how these challenges couldn’t shatter his reign. There’s an inherent defiance in how he presents himself, unapologetically, firing back at detractors and reveling in his accomplishments. “KING” serves as a testament to Kanye’s career longevity and his ability to stay relevant, despite the storms.