Kanye West, a name associated with controversy, creativity, and incredible talent, has experienced ups and downs throughout his career. By continuing to release music that captivates audiences, the rapper and producer has managed to salvage his career time after time, proving that his artistry is the ultimate redeemer. Fans hope that his new three-volume album with singer Ty Dolla $ign, “VULTURES,” will help him to reclaim his throne, but, as Kanye continues to espouse controversial statements, he may find it hard to do so.
West gained recognition as a producer due to his collaborations with well-known artists including Jay-Z, Alicia Keys, and Janet Jackson. He later released his debut album, “The College Dropout,” in 2004, which ranked number two on the US Billboard 200. Following the success of this album, Kanye released a series of critically-acclaimed albums, including “Late Registration,” “Graduation,” and “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy.”
Despite his undeniable talent, Kanye West’s career has been marked by controversial moments and social outbursts. However, West has continually shocked the world by releasing music that always seems to surprise fans and reimagine the capabilities of what music can be, often salvaging what’s left of his career. He has already released the first volume of the three-part album, which has sat at the top of the Billboard 200 for two weeks in a row.
The first volume of “VULTURES” opens with the song “STARS” which depicts a lifestyle of luxury, success and wealth. West likely found inspiration for this song through his life experiences of achievement and prosperity.
Similar to the first song, “PAID” explores the pursuit of wealth and a lifestyle of excess and ambition. This is a common theme seen throughout the album as Kanye enjoys sharing his success through creative lyrics to be interpreted by fans.
“KEYS TO MY LIFE” explores themes of betrayal, trust, and vulnerability in relationships. Throughout the song. he references his personal experiences of heartbreak and the intricacies of human emotions, particularly the pain of betrayal.
The song “TALKING” features his daughter, North West. It centers around the theme of self-awareness, reflection, and the desire to break free from negative patterns or influences. Kanye is afraid that, because of his status in the world, he is a bad influence on North, and can’t find courage to express how he feels to her. The song also includes a bit of nostalgia as Kanye samples parts of his older songs, which is a theme throughout the album.
With the release of more groundbreaking music and albums, Kanye manages to keep his career afloat. After a recent social media outburst of anti-semitic comments, however, he may have really dug himself a deep hole. Considering that the year is 2024 and his reputation is at an all-time low, it is questionable if the release of “VULTURES” can save his career yet again.
