Like the late Young Dolph said, “If it ain’t one thing, it’s a mother******’ other.”
The first collaboration album of an alleged trilogy from Ye and Ty Dolla $ign, VULTURES 1, was released in February 2024 after months of delays and controversy. Nevertheless, fans were elated for new music and seemed to vibe with the drop.
However, after following the same chaotic release schedule, VULTURES 2 dropped on August 3 with alleged stolen samples and production issues galore, to the dismay of the duo’s fanbase.
Since the release, Ye has started refining some of the album’s songs and has already released deluxe versions with songs like “Gun To My Head” featuring Kid Cudi. All five digital deluxe versions on the album’s official site are sold out.
However, both VULTURES 1 and VULTURES 2 could be removed from streaming platforms.
What is the status of the albums?
On August 8, Ye shared screenshots of text messages between himself and his manager, John Monopoly, about the two projects and Atlantic Records. The label allegedly wants compensation for the projects due to Ty Dolla $ign being signed to them.
Monopoly states in the messages that the “Co-head of Atlantic Julie Greenwald just called me. She just got fired. She said the new head is not going to give us a grace period to handle Atlantic’s compensation…”
He continues by saying, “She suggested that I let Too Lost and Create know that 40% of all revenue from V1 and V2 needs to be paid to Atlantic. She’s saying that if we don’t handle it immediately, Atlantic will issue take-downs for both albums. Pls advise.”
It was announced earlier this week that Elliot Grainge, the founder of the record label 10K Projects, would be officially taking over Greenwald’s position in January. Grainge is also the son of the chairman and CEO of Universal Music Group, Lucian Grainge. (ADD LINK?)
Due to Ty Dolla $ign being signed to Atlantic as a solo artist, the label technically has rights to his work, including his projects with Ye.
“THIS IS WHAT “THEY” DO TO INDEPENDENT ARTISTS,” Ye said in the caption along with the screenshots.
Despite the chaos during the rollout and the album release, Ye’s fans are sticking beside him and Ty Dolla $ign. “Time to show Atlantic what boycotts can do,” X user Saint Pablo said in an August 8 post.
It’s uncertain what the new leadership change means for the two albums (and VULTURES 3, if we ever get that). Nevertheless, Ye remains vocal about his struggles and injustices as an independent artist.
