In a thrilling return to the stage, Kanye West announced his upcoming album, titled Bully, during a concert at the Wuyuan River Stadium in Haikou, China, this past weekend.
The hip-hop mogul also treated fans to the debut of his new single, Beauty and the Beast, which he performed live, rapping over a captivating backdrop of music.
This announcement marks West’s first performance in China in 16 years, following a listening event on September 15 that reignited his connection with fans in the region.
The new album Bully comes on the heels of his earlier releases this year, Two Vultures, which have stirred excitement among his dedicated followers.
During his energetic performance, West delivered a fresh rendition of the track 530, originally from Vultures 2.
Fans are buzzing about this version, dubbing it the “final” iteration due to the addition of a second verse, which adds depth to the song’s narrative.
Despite the excitement surrounding Bully, West left fans in suspense regarding its official release date.
Given the history of delays associated with his previous projects, it’s uncertain when this new album will actually drop.
The first installment of Vultures faced a prolonged wait before its eventual release on February 10, while the second was pushed back from its initial March 8 date to August 3.
Kanye has a history of announcing albums that never materialized, including titles like Good A Job, TurboGrafx-16, Yandhi, and Love Every.
Furthermore, the Vultures project was intended as a trilogy, with the third album still awaiting its debut.
At the concert, West didn’t shy away from stirring up controversy.
He took a moment to criticize Adidas, which severed ties with him in 2022 after he made several inflammatory remarks.
In a bold move, he led the crowd in a chant against the brand while performing Can’t Tell Me Nothing, a classic from his third studio album, Graduation.
Adding to the evening’s excitement, West also paid homage to fellow rapper Drake.
Before launching into his 2007 hit I Wonder, he made sure to acknowledge Drake’s influence, saying, “this song is by Drake,” showcasing a spirit of camaraderie amid the competitive landscape of hip-hop.
The concert drew attention not just for West’s performances but also for its star-studded audience.
