The release of Vultures 2 over the weekend under the YZY banner has already stirred controversy, with sampling issues echoing the problems faced by its predecessor.
The long-awaited album, a collaboration between Ye (formerly Kanye West) and Ty Dolla Sign, hit the headlines shortly after its debut due to allegations of unauthorized sampling.
Geoff Barrow, known for his work with Portishead, expressed frustration on X (formerly Twitter) regarding the album’s track “Field Trip,” which features Playboi Carti.
Barrow pointed out that the song appears to sample Portishead’s 2008 single “Machine Gun,” a track that was previously involved in a sampling dispute related to The Weeknd’s song “Belong to the World” a decade ago.
In a brief but pointed response, Barrow shared a 34-second clip of “Field Trip” and wrote, “FFS. Not again.”
The album’s release has been marked by a lack of official song credits, which were an issue with the first Vultures album as well.
The album debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, marking Ye’s 11th chart-topping album. However, the album’s credits are expected to be updated in the coming months, as seen with the first Vultures project.
Ye and Ty Dolla Sign have indicated that Vultures 2 will continue to be updated post-release. The YZY site currently notes, “Updated songs will be published in real time.”
Barrow’s complaint is not the only sampling issue to arise. SWSH has claimed that their track “Break the Fall” appears on Vultures 2’s song “530” without proper clearance.
Earlier this year, Ozzy Osbourne criticized Ye for using an unauthorized live version of Black Sabbath’s “Iron Man” in “Carnival.” Osbourne revealed that Ye’s team had requested permission but was denied, and yet the sample was used regardless. Osbourne’s criticism was also fueled by Ye’s controversial remarks, including antisemitic comments and admiration for Hitler, which have sparked widespread criticism.
