Music

Kanye West and Ty Dolla Sign Face Backlash Over Alleged Sample Sneakiness on “Vultures 2”

Kanye West and Ty Dolla Sign dropped their much-anticipated album, Vultures 2, ahead of the previously announced August 2 release date. The unexpected early drop didn’t go without a hitch, as the album has already stirred up mixed reactions from fans.

While some are thrilled to finally hear new material from the duo, others are less than impressed with the initial mix. The Yeezy website has promised “UPDATED SONGS WILL BE PUBLISHED IN REAL TIME,” but that may not be enough to quell the discontent. The drama doesn’t end there, though.

LA artist Swsh has raised eyebrows after revealing on social media that their track, “530,” was sampled without their permission. Swsh shared a clip expressing surprise at the praise for clearing the sample, noting, “When people keep thanking you for clearing the sample for Kanye but you literally found out this morning lol.” Despite the situation, Swsh remains relatively unbothered, captioning their post with, “Much love tho.” Fans are now calling for financial compensation rather than removal of the track.

This isn’t Kanye’s first brush with sampling controversy; he previously faced legal action from Donna Summer’s estate for unauthorized use of her song on “Good (Don’t Die)” from Vultures 1. A settlement was reportedly reached in June. How do you feel about Swsh’s call-out of Kanye and Ty Dolla Sign? And what’s your take on Vultures 2? Share your thoughts in the comments and stay tuned to Honk Magazine for the latest updates.

Artist Spotlight

“Empatia” by Aurien & Jab Vix set the tone for an atmospheric new era

“Empatia,“ the stunning electronic debut of Aurien, in collaboration with Jab Vix, is the start of a new creative universe under Aurien’s newly launched imprint Château Bonheur Musique. The track feels like a doorway into a curated emotional space, built from atmosphere, storytelling, and immersive sound design.

“Empatia” is founded upon a contemporary electronic aesthetics that favors texture. The production is sleek and considered, offering up soft rhythmic pulses within roomy layers that breathe. Working with Jab Vix gives texture and dynamics to Aurien’s perspective and sets the sound for the song. It’s more about feeling the music than looking for peaks of high energy. It builds slowly and invites you to sit in the mood.

A highlight is the “Elegant Mix,” which takes the original and gives it a more subdued, slicker makeover. It allows the heart of the composition to come through more intimately, and this duality reinforces the idea behind Château Bonheur Musique as environment, experience, and feeling. “Empatia” is a debut statement and manifesto for the immersive, emotionally intelligent electronic music that works as effortlessly as it does in shared spaces. It’s a thoughtful direction for Aurien, where sound is not just heard, but lived in.

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Artist Spotlight

Saint Escape injects an attitude into a classic for a new generation on latest release “Everybody Wants To Rule The World”

SAINT ESCAPE takes a classic favorite, “Everybody Wants To Rule The World,” and gives it a new twist, transforming the iconic hit into an alternative rock statement full of personality and modern flair.

Rather than just repeating a familiar song, Saint Escape offers a bold vision to the track. There’s a touch of “baddiecore-lite” attitude, married with alt-rock vibes, a feeling that seems tailor-made for those who love nostalgia but want something that speaks to today. The result is familiar, yet refreshingly different.

The track establishes its own identity right from the first moments. The alternative rock styling provides a sharper edge to the song’s timeless themes, making for a dynamic listening experience that feels vibrant and contemporary. With confidence in every note, the performance can stand on its own but still respect the legacy of the original.

While acknowledging the song’s emotional and cultural significance, Saint Escape also celebrates a more rebellious aesthetic. The “baddiecore-lite” influence adds an interesting attitude to the track, making it feel fun, confident and effortlessly cool.

Connect with SAINT ESCAPE on Spotify || Instagram || Youtube