BULLY

Kanye West, now known as Ye, dropped his highly anticipated eleventh solo studio album, Bully, on June 15, 2025. The album’s release date coincided with his daughter North West’s 12th birthday, making it even more significant. Bully marks Ye’s first solo project since Donda in 2021.

The album’s title was inspired by an incident involving Ye’s son, Saint West, who is also featured on the album cover. Ye shared that Saint playfully kicked another child during a game, which led to the choice of the provocative title.

Musically, Bully has been praised for its soulful sound, reminiscent of Ye’s earlier work. Critics have called it his most compelling project in over a decade, with its deep introspective lyrics and warm soul samples making it stand out.

One of the most talked-about features of the album is Ye’s use of artificial intelligence in its production. The AI was employed to manipulate different elements of the tracks, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in music creation and providing unique soundscapes.

Alongside the album’s release, Ye unveiled a short film directed by Hype Williams, which features Saint West in a black-and-white wrestling ring scenario. The film ties into the themes explored in the album.

Despite its acclaim, Bully was marred by controversy. Ye made headlines with inflammatory remarks on social media aimed at Jay-Z and Beyoncé’s children, Rumi and Sir Carter, which led to widespread backlash. Additionally, the album was not available on major streaming platforms, reflecting Ye’s ongoing frustration with digital services and record labels.

Nevertheless, Bully continues to demonstrate Ye’s evolution as an artist, fusing traditional techniques with modern technology for a truly innovative sound.