Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, has surprised fans with the deluxe edition of his 12th studio album, Bully, which arrived on Friday, June 19. The expanded version features updated mixes of original tracks and two new songs: 'OK' featuring Don Toliver and 'Mission Control'. The album's new artwork, a black-and-white close-up of a child's face with metal grills, was unveiled by Ye on Instagram with the caption 'NEW COVER'.
Bully was originally released on March 28 through Larry Jackson's Gamma label and debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200, behind BTS's ARIRANG. The album marked another chapter in Ye's prolific career, showcasing his experimental production and lyrical themes of power, introspection, and societal critique.
The 'Kings' Music Video
Alongside the deluxe release, Ye dropped the music video for the album's opening track, 'Kings'. The visual was once again directed by his wife, Bianca Censori, continuing their creative partnership. The surreal clip features Ye driving a convertible filled with an eclectic cast of passengers: a nurse, an older man reading a newspaper while wearing sunglasses, and a wildly dancing figure with unusual facial features. The vehicle moves slowly down a dusty road against a stark mountainside backdrop, with a police car and flashing lights following close behind. The minimalist video culminates with Ye abruptly slamming on the brakes, being launched from the vehicle into an electric chair, and then two officers placing a crown-shaped electrode on his head.
The video's imagery echoes Ye's frequent use of religious and political symbolism, while the stark setting and police presence nod to themes of surveillance and control. 'Kings' follows the earlier deluxe rollout single 'Gemini Season', which also came with a Censori-directed video. Earlier this year, she helmed the visual for 'Father', Ye's collaboration with Travis Scott from the original Bully album.
Expanded Album and Career Context
The deluxe edition of Bully adds two new tracks and reimagines existing songs, reflecting Ye's perfectionist approach. His discography—from The College Dropout (2004) to Donda (2021) and Vultures (2024)—has consistently evolved, blending hip-hop with gospel, industrial, and pop influences. Bully itself explores anger, fatherhood, and redemption, with collaborations ranging from Don Toliver to Travis Scott. The album's original version received mixed reviews but praised for its bold production and raw emotion.
Ye's recent years have been marked by both commercial success and controversy. He remains a polarizing figure in music and fashion, with his Yeezy brand and outspoken public statements drawing constant attention. His relationship with Bianca Censori has also been a recurring theme in his visual works, as she has directed several of his recent videos.
Upcoming Tour and Live Performances
Ye is preparing for a series of live performances, with his website revealing a July 4 Independence Day show at the Alamodome in San Antonio. He also has a pair of Chicago dates scheduled for September 3 and September 4 at Soldier Field. After performing for 70,000 fans at Dinamo Arena in Tbilisi, Georgia, Ye is set to return stateside for two shows at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, on June 26 and June 28. These Tampa concerts will mark his first U.S. performances since his April shows at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.
Additional international dates have been scheduled throughout the summer, with stops in Albania and Spain in July, followed by Portugal in August. The tour is expected to showcase tracks from Bully alongside his extensive catalog, promising fans a theatrical experience filled with high production value and spontaneous moments—hallmarks of Ye's live shows.
The deluxe edition's release and the accompanying video reinforce Ye's relentless creative output, even as he juggles multiple ventures. Whether through music, fashion, or visual art, he continues to push boundaries and defy expectations, keeping his audience engaged and debating his next move.
Source: MSN News