Kanye West’s surprise release of his new album, Bully, on X (formerly Twitter), has sparked discussion online. The album debuted through a 45-minute short film posted online, featuring his son, Saint West, in a wrestling ring. The release follows a series of controversial social media posts from West, adding to the ongoing scrutiny surrounding him.
Here’s what to know about the rapper’s latest album, its unconventional release, and the reactions it has generated.
Kanye West drops ‘Bully’ album on Twitter
The musician released his new album Bully late Tuesday night through a 45-minute short film online.
Kanye West took to X (formerly Twitter), to share the link to the film. Edited by Hype Williams, it shows his son, Saint, fighting wrestlers in a ring with a toy mallet while the album plays. The “Don’t Like.1” singer tweeted that the album was “not finished and half the vocals AI.” He later released three versions: a “screening version,” a “post Hype version,” and a “post post Hype version”
West announced Bully in September 2024 at Wuyuan River Stadium in Haikou, China. There, he debuted the track “Beauty and the Beast.” In an interview with Justin Laboy, the singer also said Bully was inspired by Saint, who told him he kicked another child for being “weak.” West originally planned to release the album on June 15, his daughter North’s birthday.
The film features professional wrestlers from New Japan Pro-Wrestling, including YOH, Toru Yano, Tiger Mask, and El Desperado. Moreover, the album includes samples from Cortex’s “Huit Octobre 1971” and The Supremes’ “You Can’t Hurry Love.” However, West did not release Bully on streaming platforms.
Kanye West’s album release coincided with his previous antisemitic tweets and personal attacks on Jay-Z, Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar, and Tyler, the Creator. In February, he also bought a Super Bowl ad directing viewers to his website, where the only item for sale was a T-shirt with a swastika.
Lyor Cohen, YouTube’s Global Head of Music, addressed West’s actions, writing, “I am deeply disappointed and troubled by your recent actions involving the use of Nazi symbols and antisemitic rhetoric.” (via Variety) Meanwhile, Kanye West has hinted at future projects, asking fans if they would prefer Vultures 3 or Donda 3.
