Kanye West’s Album ‘Vultures 1’ Tops Billboard 200 Despite Controversy
Kanye West, the renowned rapper and controversial figure, has once again proven his staying power in the music industry. Despite a series of antisemitic and hateful remarks that alienated him from corporate partners and fellow celebrities, West’s latest album, “Vultures 1,” has soared to the top of the Billboard 200 chart. This marks his 11th time leading the chart, a testament to his enduring popularity.
The success of “Vultures 1” can be attributed to its impressive sales figures. The album earned the equivalent of 148,000 in sales, which includes album sales, song downloads, and streams. Streaming played a significant role in its success, with nearly 170 million official streams. These numbers are particularly remarkable considering the controversies surrounding the album.
One of the major challenges faced by West during the album’s release was the accusation of unauthorized sampling from other artists. Initially scheduled for release in December, the album faced multiple delays as West struggled to obtain permission to sample a Backstreet Boys song and use a Nicki Minaj verse for two tracks that did not make it onto the final album. Despite these setbacks, “Vultures 1” managed to captivate listeners with its unique sound and lyrical prowess.
However, the controversies did not end there. Prior to the album’s release, West and his collaborator Ty Dolla $ign, under the name ¥$, previewed “Vultures” at listening parties in Chicago and New York. It was during this time that Ozzy Osbourne took to social media to express his refusal to grant permission for West to sample his 1983 live performance of “Iron Man.” Osbourne cited West’s antisemitism as the reason for his denial, stating that he wanted no association with him. This incident further fueled the controversy surrounding the album.
In addition to Osbourne’s refusal, Spotify removed one of the album’s tracks, “Good (Don’t Die),” after Donna Summer’s estate accused West of copyright infringement. West had re-created part of Summer’s disco hit “I Feel Love” without permission. The album also briefly disappeared from Apple Music due to attempts by a music distributor to have it removed from streaming platforms. Fuga, the original distributor approached for “Vultures 1,” declined to release the album, but it was eventually taken over by Label Engine.
Despite these setbacks, “Vultures 1” managed to overshadow Usher’s latest album, “Coming Home,” which ranked second on the Billboard 200 chart. Usher’s album, released just before his Super Bowl halftime performance, earned the equivalent of 91,000 in sales and marked his highest placement on the chart in over a decade. However, it was West’s album that captured the attention and loyalty of listeners.
The controversies surrounding West’s album have undoubtedly affected his business partnerships and fan base. Companies such as Balenciaga, the Creative Artists Agency, and JPMorgan Chase severed ties with West after his antisemitic remarks and provocative actions. His net worth also took a hit when he was dropped from his partnership with Adidas, which accounted for a significant portion of the brand’s annual revenue through his Yeezy shoe line.
West has attempted to make amends for his antisemitic comments, issuing an apology to the Jewish community in a now-deleted Instagram post written in Hebrew. He expressed regret for any pain he may have caused and pledged to learn from the experience. However, in a recent TMZ interview, West seemed less apologetic, stating that black people cannot be antisemitic and dismissing concerns about his work being removed from streaming platforms.
In his album “Vultures,” West addresses the controversy head-on. In the title track, he questions how he can be antisemitic when he has been intimate with a Jewish woman. He also mentions in the song “Stars” that he now keeps “a few Jews on the staff.” These lyrics further fuel the debate surrounding West’s intentions and beliefs.
Despite the controversies and challenges faced by Kanye West, “Vultures 1” has emerged as a chart-topping success. It is a testament to his enduring popularity and the loyalty of his fan base. While his actions and remarks have undoubtedly caused division and backlash, West’s musical talent continues to captivate audiences and solidify his position as one of the most influential figures in the music industry.
