Kanye West found his latest album ‘Vultures 1’ pulled from Apple Music just days after saying he couldn’t be canceled.
The joint project with Ty Dolla Sign, released last week, suddenly disappeared from the streaming platform on Thursday (February 15).
Here’s Why Apple Music Removed Kanye West’s New Album
The move understandably perplexed fans, especially as West is currently on track to debut at No. 1 on the Hot 100 with his new song, ‘Carnival.’
The removal of ‘Vultures 1’ from Apple Music meant that people could no longer listen to the record, subsequently affecting his streams.
Rolling Stone reports that FUGA, the distribution company supporting the album, claimed that West first approached them to release ‘Vultures 1’ last year.
However, the company claims they rejected the offer, presumably made by West and his team.
But Ye being Ye, he allegedly went on to drop the album through their “automated processes” without their consent.
“Late last year, FUGA was presented with the opportunity to release Vultures 1,” a spokesperson told Billboard. “Exercising our judgment in the ordinary course of business, we declined to do so.”
They confirmed their ongoing plans to remove the album from its servers, consequently preventing ‘Vultures 1’ from being streamed anywhere unless Ye could rectify this issue.
“On Friday, Feb. 9, 2024, a long-standing FUGA client delivered the album Vultures 1 through the platform’s automated processes, violating our service agreement. Therefore, FUGA is actively working with its DSP partners and the client to remove Vultures 1 from our systems.”
And it seemed like FUGA was standing on business, oh-kay, because the album did make a disappearing act on Apple Music as well as iTunes.
‘Vultures 1’ Has Surprisingly Returned To Apple Music
A few hours after FUGA released a statement announcing plans to strip the record from its servers, ‘Vultures 1’ reappeared on Apple Music.
West has yet to address the situation.
JUST IN: Vultures is back on Apple Music
pic.twitter.com/AashhSdQqY
— RapTV (@Rap) February 15, 2024
It was just on Wednesday (February 14) when the dad of four reflected on how hard the year 2023 was for him, during which time he began working on his album.
His anti-semitic remarks in late 2022 had apparent consequences. Companies kicked him out, and certain hotels and restaurants banned him, seemingly taking a toll on him.
But in his Instagram post, Ye expressed his joy for overcoming those hurdles, adding that “the people have spoken” and that the media won’t get to control his narrative.
