Kanye West’s latest project, the album "Bully," has turned heads with its unconventional release method and controversial features. Released on March 19, 2025, via X (formerly Twitter) amidst a flurry of social media activity, the project showcases West’s signature sound while raising significant legal and ethical questions. "Bully" serves as a soundtrack to a Hype Williams-directed short film, which stars West’s nine-year-old son, Saint, engaged in whimsical yet violent interactions with Japanese professional wrestlers.
The narrative surrounding the album is complicated. Although West termed it as a not fully finished product, stating that “half the vocals [are] AI,” the music features several notable samples and interpolations that may not have been authorized. Included in the album are slowed-down versions and straight covers of iconic hits such as “Close to You,” popularized by the Carpenters, and “You Can’t Hurry Love,” originally penned by Holland-Dozier-Holland and famously sung by the Supremes. Additionally, West incorporated a version of Can’s 1972 song “Vitamin C,” among others from lesser-known artists like Cortex and Poncho Sanchez. However, without official credits provided, confirming these samples remains challenging.
At the heart of the discussion is West’s recent history of litigation concerning copyright infringement. This has been a recurring theme in his past works, especially with earlier releases, including the "Donda" albums and his collaboration with Ty Dolla $ign on “Vultures.” Those projects faced multiple lawsuits from artists like Ozzy Osbourne and the estate of Donna Summer over unauthorized use of their music. West’s approach to the recent legal challenges has often been combative—highlighted by his decision to substitute a sample of Black Sabbath's “Iron Man” with his own track's sample after Osbourne refused permission for use.
West’s behavior leading up to and following the release of "Bully" has been erratic, characterized by divisive comments and public spats with other artists. Recently, the rapper launched insults at his former associates, Jay-Z and Beyoncé, aimed at their children in a rant that he later deleted and reposted online. Additionally, he remains mired in controversies stemming from his lyrics, which include questionable sentiments about his political inclinations and public figures. His latest track, “World War 3,” released on March 16, particularly exemplifies this pattern, delivering a provocative message indicative of his tumultuous public persona.
While the album has received mixed reactions for its content and context, visually, the film accompanying it offers a contrast with its artistic presentation, shot in black and white to elicit a unique aesthetic. The playful yet surreal scenes of Saint confronting wrestlers portray not just a story but also represent West’s exploration of his family’s legacy in relation to his increasingly public antics.
The ethics of using children in artistic projects is also under scrutiny. West previously drew attention for including his daughter North in a song featuring Sean “Diddy” Combs, which he later posted and deleted. The ongoing involvement of his family in his creative expressions has led to public condemnation, particularly regarding the implications for the children’s agency and protection.
As speculation swirls around whether the samples in “Bully” have secured appropriate clearances, the legal ramifications of its release continue to unfold. Experts in the music industry highlight that once a piece of music is publicly shared, any copyright infringement remains, regardless of subsequent actions taken to remove it. The willingness of affected artists to pursue legal action remains uncertain.
Adding to the contentious atmosphere surrounding West’s releases is the environment on social media, which has become a platform for unchecked discourse. The comments section of West's posts reveals a toxic blend of criticism and support that appears to feed the click-driven model of modern music consumption, where controversy often overshadows artistic merit.
While the current landscape of digital media shifts towards streaming platforms, West's decision to avoid traditional music distribution for "Bully" symbolizes a rejection of the conventional industry format, promoting a form of artist autonomy that can be both liberating and problematic.
Ultimately, Kanye West’s "Bully" illustrates the complexities of modern artistry, where personal and public personas collide. With the ongoing discourse about the legality and ethics of his methods, the album stands as a testament to both West’s creative contributions and the controversies that accompany them.
