Kanye West’s 12th studio album, “Bully,” finally appears to have a firm release date, though fans will have to wait slightly longer than originally anticipated, per complex.com.
Following the announcement of a major performance at Los Angeles’ SoFi Stadium on April 3, new promotional billboards appearing across the country indicate the album’s arrival has shifted. Originally slated for March 20, the project is now scheduled to drop on March 27.
This release marks a significant milestone for the 24-time Grammy winner, serving as his first project under the independent music and distribution firm, Gamma. The partnership is a family affair; West’s eldest daughter, North West, has also signed to the company ahead of her debut album, The Elementary School Dropout.
The rollout for “Bully” follows a period of public reflection for the artist. Earlier this month, West took out a full-page advertisement in The Wall Street Journal to issue a formal apology for previous antisemitic and offensive remarks.
In the statement, West attributed his past behaviour to “disconnected moments” resulting from bipolar type-1 disorder and a 2002 brain injury.
“I regret and am deeply mortified by my actions… and am committed to accountability, treatment, and meaningful change,” West wrote. “It does not excuse what I did, though. I am not a Nazi or an antisemite. I love Jewish people.”
“Bully” has been in development for several years. In 2025, West teased various iterations of the project, including a black-and-white short film directed by legendary collaborator Hype Williams.
This solo effort follows the August 2024 release of Vultures 2, West’s collaborative project with Ty Dolla $ign under the moniker ¥. With the new March date set, the industry is watching closely to see if “Ye” can successfully transition into this new independent era.
•Featured image: Kanye West/Adam Pantozzi/NBAE/Getty
