Kanye West has overtaken J. Cole in streaming success following the release of his twelfth studio album, “BULLY.”
The album, which dropped over the weekend, logged more than 30 million Spotify streams on its first day. That marks the biggest hip-hop debut of 2026 so far, according to Hip Hop All Day.
“BULLY” has also charted at No. 1 on Apple Music in more countries than any other rap album released this year. The previous record was held by J. Cole’s “The Fall-Off,” his seventh album which some believe may be his final release.
Industry projections indicate “BULLY” will move between 250,000 and 275,000 album-equivalent units in its first week, with 100,000 coming from pure sales.
Ye previewed the album at a listening party in Los Angeles shortly before its release. The project features guest appearances from Travis Scott, Don Toliver, Nine Vicious, CeeLo Green, Ty Dolla $ign, and André Troutman.
The streaming success comes as the Chicago rapper faces mixed reviews from critics but strong commercial performance.
Separately, West is set to headline all three days of London’s Wireless Festival in July. The performance will mark his first UK show in more than a decade. Tickets go on sale April 8, with additional performers to be announced.
The album release follows a recent full-page advertisement West placed in The Wall Street Journal apologising for his past behaviour. He attributed his previous hateful statements to his bipolar disorder and stated he has since received professional help.
“I lost touch with reality,” West wrote. “Things got worse the longer I ignored the problem. I said and did things I deeply regret.”
