The music world is once again focused on Ye, the artist formerly known as Kanye West, following the surprise release of his 12th studio album, “Bully,” early Friday morning. Available exclusively on YouTube, the album marks a significant moment for the artist, who has faced intense scrutiny and public backlash in recent years. The release comes after a period of controversy, including accusations of antisemitism, legal battles, and erratic public behavior, and a full-page apology ad in the Wall Street Journal earlier this year.
“Bully” arrives as Ye’s first solo album since 2022’s “Donda 2.” Released through the independent label Gamma, the project is already sparking conversation among fans and critics alike. While the album hasn’t yet appeared on major streaming platforms like Spotify or Apple Music, its availability on YouTube allows for immediate access, a move consistent with Ye’s history of unconventional release strategies. The decision to launch on YouTube, rather than traditional streaming services, underscores a continued independence and direct connection with his audience.
A Complex Road to Release
The path to “Bully” has been anything but straightforward. In February 2026, Ye was involved in a legal dispute concerning a property in Malibu, California, as reported by USA Today. More significantly, Ye’s public image has been severely damaged by a series of controversies. In March 2026, a concert planned at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles drew attention not only for the performance itself but also for occurring months after Ye issued an apology for antisemitic remarks, as detailed by USA Today. Prior to that, in July 2025, Ye faced accusations of sexual misconduct from former employees, as reported by USA Today.
In a notable attempt to address the fallout from these controversies, Ye published a full-page advertisement in the Wall Street Journal in January 2026, offering an apology for his past statements. The ad, which featured appearances by Travis Scott and Nine Vicious, signaled a potential effort to rehabilitate his public image. The release of “Bully” can be seen as a continuation of this effort, though its reception remains to be seen.
What’s on the Tracklist?
Leading up to the album’s release, Ye shared a handwritten tracklist on his Instagram account, promising a project free of artificial intelligence-generated vocals. Several songs on “Bully” have surfaced in unfinished or alternate forms previously, suggesting a long and evolving creative process. The full tracklist is as follows:
- Sisters and Brothers
- Whatever Works
- Father
- All the Love
- I Can’t Wait
- Bully
- Mama’s Favorite
- Punch Drunk
- This a Must
- Outside
- Preacherman
- White Lines
- Circles
- This One Here
- King
- Beauty and the Beast
- Damn
- Last Breath
- Highs and Lows
- Mission Control
Early listeners describe “Bully” as a return to the sound that initially propelled Ye to fame, characterized by gospel samples, rapid-fire lyrical delivery, and a narrative focused on overcoming adversity. Whether this album will resonate with a wider audience, particularly given the controversies surrounding the artist, remains to be seen.
Where to Listen and What’s Next
Fans can listen to “Bully” now on YouTube. As of this writing, the album is not available on major streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, or Amazon Music. This is not uncommon for Ye, who has often favored unconventional release methods.
The release of “Bully” is likely to be followed by continued scrutiny of Ye’s actions and statements. He is scheduled to perform at SoFi Stadium in the coming months, a performance that will undoubtedly be closely watched given his recent apology and ongoing efforts to address past controversies. The next step in Ye’s public journey will be closely monitored by fans, critics, and the music industry alike.
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