Kanye West revealed plans for his upcoming solo album, titled “Bully,” during a recent performance in Haikou, China, per hiphopwired.com. The Grammy-winning artiste, who has been relatively quiet on the music front this year, broke the news to an enthusiastic crowd at the Wuyuan River Stadium.
West, known for his groundbreaking productions and controversial public persona, debuted a new track called “Beauty and the Beast” from the forthcoming album. The song showcases a return to West’s more introspective, melodic style reminiscent of his acclaimed “808s & Heartbreak” era. With lyrics like “It’s been a long time coming/fresh new ties, I’m still runnin’/It’s a few things I’m overcoming,” West seems to be tapping into a more vulnerable artistic vein.
Interestingly, longtime collaborator Mike Dean, according to variety.com, commented that “Beauty and the Beast” was actually a leftover from West’s 2022 album Donda, raising questions about the new project’s timeline and creative direction.
This announcement comes on the heels of West’s Vultures album series with Ty Dolla Sign, which faced numerous delays before its eventual release earlier this year. Fans and critics alike are speculating whether “Bully” will face similar setbacks or if West has learned from past release strategies.
The China performances mark West’s return to the country after a 16-year absence, potentially signalling a new chapter in his career. As anticipation builds for “Bully,” the music world eagerly awaits more details on what could be one of the year’s most talked-about releases.
•Featured image: Kanye West/Robin Marchant/Getty Images for Ralph Lauren
