Kanye West has once again made waves in the music industry with the unexpected release of his new album, Bully. The album premiered through a unique visual experience—a series of full-length films edited by renowned director Hype Williams.
A Cinematic Album Release
In an unconventional move, West shared multiple versions of the Bully film via social media, each with different edits and typography. The film, starring his son Saint West, showcases the young boy in a wrestling ring battling opponents with a mallet. Featured wrestlers include YOH, Toru Yano, Tiger Mask, and El Desperado from New Japan Pro-Wrestling.
West has revealed that Bully was inspired by Saint’s bold and outspoken personality. During an interview with Justin Laboy, he recalled an incident where Saint described kicking another child because he was “weak,” which led to the album’s theme.
The album itself is filled with rich soul samples, including Cortex’s Huit Octobre 1971 and The Supremes’ You Can’t Hurry Love. One of the standout tracks, Beauty and the Beast, was first introduced during West’s 2024 performance at Wuyuan River Stadium in Haikou, China.
West, known for his unpredictable business decisions, opted to bypass mainstream digital streaming platforms (DSPs) for this release. He cited concerns about the authenticity of streaming numbers and the treatment of artists by record labels. Instead, he released Bully directly on his X (formerly Twitter) account, allowing fans to access it for free.
West has hinted at additional projects, teasing the potential releases of Donda 2, Vultures 3, or Donda 3. His recent tweets suggest he is gauging fan interest to determine his next move in the music industry.
Despite the excitement around the album, West remains a polarizing figure. His recent social media activity, including inflammatory remarks and controversial merchandise, has sparked debate. While Bully is currently available via his tweets, its long-term availability remains uncertain.
Kanye West continues to redefine the music industry with his boundary-pushing releases. Bully not only showcases his creative genius but also solidifies his reputation for unconventional album rollouts. Whether the album will receive a traditional release remains to be seen, but for now, fans can experience Bully through the unique vision West has crafted.