Kanye West Breaks Silence with "Bully": Unfiltered and Unapologetic

Sidney Caldwell '26

Senior Staff Writer

Kanye West’s release of his new album Bully has stirred up controversy and has been removed by various streaming platforms. His past friendships and controversies play major roles in why platforms such as YouTube and Apple Music deleted the album. Featuring an appearance by his son, the album dives deep into themes of family, identity, and the struggles of fame.

Albumoftheyear.org says that “there’s hardly a beat in half of the tracks, and most released tracks are too short.” However, the issues with the album go beyond the beats and the lengths of the songs. While some fans praise West’s creativity and vulnerability, others have problems with some controversial lyrics that touch on societal issues. Considering this album has already sparked many topics of debate, his son being featured on the album worsened its perception. Many listeners questioned whether or not it was appropriate to involve a child in such a high profile project, especially given the album’s questionable themes.  

The controversy surrounding Bully has also sparked heated debates on social media, with some accusing West of crossing the line with his provocative statements. Critics argue that certain tracks perpetuate harmful stereotypes, while supporters claim that he is simply pushing boundaries and encouraging important conversations. Some feel that the subject matter is the main problem and do not mind the actual album. Jayson Buford from Rolling Stone says that “despite himself, Kanye West almost made a half decent album.” 

In terms of commercial success, Bully has debuted at number one in the U.S. Billboard 200 chart, bringing in impressive numbers within the first week. Selling 957,000 copies within the first week, the album has already surpassed millions in sales. This makes it one of the fastest selling albums of the year so far. Cape Senior Hailey Hassell feels that “the album is definitely drawing more attention to him, for better and for worse.”

Kanye West's New Album Hits the Shelves with Decent Reviews