Kanye West, also known as Ye, and Ty Dolla $ign‘s collaborative album “Vultures 1” debuts at the top spot on the Billboard 200 chart dated February 24, marking Ye’s 11th chart-topper and Ty Dolla $ign’s first.
The independently released album garnered 148,000 equivalent album units in the U.S. in the week ending February 15, according to Luminate.
This is the first independent rap album to reach No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart since Trippie Redd’ A Love Letter to You 4 in 2019.
Albums titled as independent are usually those that fall outside the remit of the big three labels Universal Music Group. Sony Music and Warner. Kanye West left his deal with Universal after completing a 10-album contract with Def Jam Records after the release of the Grammy nominated album “Donda” in August 2021.
“Coming Home,” by Usher took the No. 2 spot on the chart, having earned 91,000 equivalent album units according to Billboard. This marks Usher’s highest-charting album in over a decade. The album’s release coincided with his 2024 Super Bowl halftime show on February 11.
The Super Bowl LVIII broadcast drew an audience of 123.4 million viewers across CBS and various digital platforms. While Usher didn’t showcase any material from “Coming Home” during the halftime show, his performance focused on beloved classics from his repertoire.
“Vultures 1” boasts appearances from collaborators Travis Scott, Playboi Carti, and Chris Brown, with Ye’s 10-year-old daughter North contributing vocals to the track “Talking.” The album arrives via Ye’s own label YZY after encountering several delays.
Meanwhile, “Coming Home” represents Usher’s first independently distributed album after a career with major labels BMG and Sony. Released via Usher’s own company, mega, in partnership with L.A. Reid’s Gamma, and distributed by Vydia, the album offers various formats including digital downloads, CDs, vinyl variants, and deluxe editions.
Both albums were strategically priced to boost first-week sales, with “Vultures 1” initially available exclusively through streaming services and digital downloads, while physical versions are anticipated for future release. “Coming Home,” on the other hand, was accompanied by a range of purchasing options including deluxe boxed sets and vinyl variants, as well as a deluxe digital album with bonus tracks and alternative cover art, available for a limited time as a SKIMS exclusive.
