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.

Tweet LinkedIn PinShares0

Album Review

Paul Terry, Aptøsrs & Cellarscape unite on bold new album “Alternative Piano Club”

Combining his three artistic alter egos, Paul Terry presents an awe-inspiring new 12-track album, “Alternative Piano Club,” written in collaboration with Aptøsrs and Cellarscape. This is an album-length voyage of music that blends acoustic, rock, and piano-driven cinematic sounds.

Torn between this complex emotional spectrum, all the while the piano remains at its core throughout. Paul Terry opens his “Memento Mori (Chromogenic Phase)” contemplatively, creating a solemn, reflective mood. Cellarscape’s “Three Years Of Roses“ is warmer, whereas Aptøsrs’ “Questionnaires“ is much more textured as a large, sculptural post-rock.

“Dave’s Theme,” written by Paul Terry, musically expands the narrative with a touch of cinematic elevation that aligns well. “We Shape The Clouds” by Cellarscape is fluffy and heart-warming, “Writers Behind The Curtain” is somber, more narrative. We are all together in “A Place We Made,” an honest, intimate, emotionally grounded space.

The project contains vocal warmth and cultural depth in the song “This Is My Home“ by Silas Miami & Lana Crowster. Proceeding in a totally different direction is the stronger emotional clarity of Paul Terry’s acoustic storytelling on “Any Time You Want To Fly” and “No Sleep Has Come.” Cellarscape presents a wide, spacious atmospheric moment in “Cygnus,” while Aptøsrs ends with “Rust Mountain (Monochrome Piano Version),” a simple gem that brings the project full circle.

The mixing of Sam Okell and Adam Noble, the mastering of Alex Wharton and Robin Schmidt have, in many ways, brought their polish to it while still making it feel human. “Alternative Piano Club” is a work entity, where three musical personalities met and talk mind in the same emotional language.

Tweet LinkedIn PinShares0

Artist Spotlight

LAST ALEX! balances precision and pulse on the electrifying track “Plus 1”

LAST ALEX!, a Chicago-based artist and producer, comes out with “Plus 1,” a high-energy release that combines technical prowess with an undeniable melodic instinct.

LAST ALEX! puts both craftsmanship and creativity on display here. The song’s strength lies in its balance, in detailed execution without sacrificing feeling, and in complexity without losing momentum.

LAST ALEX! doesn’t fully lean into the cold technique or loose emotion, but finds the sweet spot where skill and soul meet. This yields a polished, vibrant, and musically confident track.

Connect with LAST ALEX! on Spotify