In a whirlwind premiere event at Wynwood Marketplace, Miami, Kanye West defied tardiness stereotypes, introducing the world to ‘Vultures’, his much-anticipated joint album with Ty Dolla Sign as ¥$. The Vultures Rave held just a day after a guerrilla-style tease at a Jamaican restaurant, promised a midnight kick-off. However, West’s trademark punctuality took a back seat, delaying the show by nearly two-and-a-half hours.
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Star-Studded Guest Lineup Takes the Stage
To enhance the experience, West and Ty brought on board a star-studded cast of collaborators. Chris Brown, Offset, Kodak Black, Lil Durk, Bump J, Freddie Gibbs, and West’s daughter North graced the stage. Notably absent was Playboi Carti, who missed the performance due to a delayed flight.
Featured Artists and Tracks
| Artist | Featured Track |
|---|---|
| Nicki Minaj | “New Body” |
| Freddie Gibbs | “Back to Me” |
| Chris Brown | “Beg Forgiveness” |
| Young Thug | “River” |
| James Blake | “Slide” (featuring North West) |
KANYE WEST
TY DOLLA SIGN
LIL DURK“VULTURES”
pic.twitter.com/NJ3XHEgkaN— Complex (@Complex) November 18, 2023
The Grand Unveiling
Viewers, both in-person attendees and online spectators enduring a glitchy YouTube stream, finally witnessed the spectacle. Ticket prices ranged from $200 for general admission to $10,000 for an exclusive table, showcasing the demand for this exclusive event. The performance featured approximately 10 tracks from ‘Vultures,’ slated for release later this week.
Ticket Pricing
| Ticket Type | Price |
|---|---|
| General Admission | $200 |
| VIP | $600 |
| Exclusive Table | $10,000 |
Musical Highlights and Surprises
The audience got a taste of the album’s sonic direction, characterized by plucking synth bass notes and an energetic pace. The opening track, “Everybody,” teased earlier on social media, stood out with an interpolation of Backstreet Boys’ hit. West’s daughter, North, showcased her rap skills on “Slide,” sharing the spotlight with her father and Ty over a James Blake sample.
“In the symphony of controversy, Kanye West orchestrates a unique composition, turning ‘Vultures’ into a sonic spectacle that echoes beyond the midnight hour.”
‘Vultures‘ features a diverse range of musical styles, including a splash of house music on “Paid,” a dominant Chris Brown on “Beg Forgiveness,” and a homage to Young Thug on “River,” who is also currently on trial. Notably, Nicki Minaj and Freddie Gibbs delivered memorable performances on “New Body” and “Back to Me,” respectively.
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Controversy and Antisemitic Remarks
True to West’s knack for controversy, the album did not escape scrutiny. A snippet from “Vultures” sparked controversy, with West making questionable remarks. As the song played, West, wearing a black Klansman hat, further fueled the fire, pausing to glare at the audience.
A Showcased Showcase
While more of a showcase than a conventional performance, the event concluded abruptly at 3 a.m. in Miami. The venue silenced the speakers, but West seized the opportunity for one last impact, repeating the contentious line from “Vultures” on the mic. Exiting the venue, West navigated the crowd, seemingly content with the night’s unique display.
FAQs
Q1: What time did the Vultures Rave start?
A1: Despite promises, the extravaganza kicked off nearly two-and-a-half hours late.
Q2: Who were the surprise guests at the album premiere?
A2: The star-studded lineup included Chris Brown, Offset, Kodak Black, Lil Durk, and more.
Q3: What caused controversy during the event?
A3: Kanye West’s controversial remarks and actions, including questionable lyrics and attire, stirred controversy.
Q4: Did Playboi Carti make an appearance?
A4: No, Playboi Carti missed the performance due to a delayed flight.
Q5: How many songs were previewed from the ‘Vultures’ album?
A5: Around 10 tracks were showcased, providing a glimpse of the highly anticipated project.