Kanye West's new album "Bully" has had a complicated release history, and its availability on music streaming platforms is limited and unconventional.
Current Availability of Kanye West's "Bully"
- Removed from Apple Music: Recent reports, including posts on X and articles from sources like EURweb, confirm that Kanye West’s "Bully" (specifically the version titled "BULLY V1") was briefly available on Apple Music but has since been removed. Kanye himself addressed this on social media, claiming, “APPLE MUSIC REMOVED BULLY V1, BUT THAT WON’T STOP ME MY MUSIC IS BIGGER THAN THEIR PLATFORMS.” The exact reason for the removal isn’t clear, but it could be related to licensing issues, content disputes, or Kanye’s stated opposition to streaming platforms.
- Not Widely Available on Major Streaming Platforms: According to multiple sources (e.g., HipHopDX, Rolling Stone, Billboard), "Bully" has not been released in a traditional format on major digital service providers (DSPs) like Spotify, Tidal, or Amazon Music. Kanye has expressed skepticism about streaming services, stating in posts on X and interviews that he believes “streams are fake” and that record labels mistreat artists. As a result, he has avoided putting "Bully" on most mainstream platforms.
- Available on YouTube: The primary way to access "Bully" is through YouTube. Kanye released "BULLY V1" as a 45-minute music video/short film featuring his son Saint, which is still available on his official YouTube channel. This version includes nine tracks and visual content, but it’s not a standard album stream—it’s presented as a visual experience. As of recent posts on X and web articles, this YouTube video has garnered significant attention, reaching the top of YouTube’s trending page in the U.S. with over 1.4 million views.
- Limited or Unofficial Streams: Some users on X and smaller platforms like SoundCloud have shared links or playlists claiming to host "Bully" tracks, but these are not official releases and may violate copyright. For example, a playlist on SoundCloud titled "KANYE WEST - BULLY V1" exists, but it’s unclear if it’s authorized by Kanye or his team. Relying on these sources is risky and not recommended.
- No Confirmation on Other Platforms: There’s no evidence from the available sources that "Bully" is currently available on Spotify, Tidal, Amazon Music Unlimited, or other major streaming services. Posts on X and articles suggest that Kanye may be holding off on a full release, possibly waiting until June 15, 2025 (his daughter North’s birthday), as he originally planned. However, his recent behavior and statements indicate he might continue to bypass traditional streaming altogether.
Why the Confusion?
Kanye’s release strategy for "Bully" has been unconventional and controversial. He initially announced the album in September 2024 during a show in China and previewed tracks like “Beauty and the Beast.” However, the official release on March 18, 2025, came as a surprise via X (Twitter) and YouTube, with three different versions ("screening version," "post Hype version," and "post post Hype version"). He later removed some versions and faced backlash for using AI-generated vocals for half the album, as well as for his ongoing controversial social media posts, including antisemitic remarks and attacks on other artists.
His decision to avoid DSPs stems from his belief that streaming platforms and record labels exploit artists, as he mentioned in posts on X and interviews. This has left fans scrambling to find the album, with only YouTube offering a semi-official way to experience it.
Recommendation
If you want to listen to Kanye West’s "Bully," your best and most reliable option right now is to check his official YouTube channel. Search for “BULLY V1” or look for the 45-minute short film featuring his son Saint. Be aware that this is not a traditional album but a visual project with music in the background.
For future updates, keep an eye on Kanye’s social media accounts (like X and Instagram) and official announcements. There’s a chance he might release a more polished version on streaming platforms later, possibly around June 15, 2025, but nothing is confirmed. Posts on X suggest fans are divided—some are excited about the YouTube release, while others are frustrated by its limited availability and Kanye’s behavior.
If you’re looking for a specific track, like the single “WW3,” it was officially released on streaming platforms as of March 27, 2025, according to some sources, but the full album remains off most DSPs.
Final Note
The availability of "Bully" is fluid and subject to change, given Kanye’s unpredictable approach. For now, YouTube is the only major platform where you can find a version of the album. If it becomes available on other streaming services like Spotify or Apple Music in the future, it will likely be announced on social media or through music news outlets. Stay tuned, but don’t expect a traditional release anytime soon based on his current stance.
