Ye's 'Bully' Album Debuts at No. 2 on Billboard 200

The controversial rapper's latest release sees strong first-week sales despite past scandals.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 8:48pm

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Kanye West's new album 'Bully' has debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 chart, earning 152,000 equivalent album units in its first week. This comes after a series of high-profile sold-out concerts by Ye in Los Angeles, where he declared to the crowd that 'they said I'd never be back in the States.' The album's success suggests Ye still maintains a sizable audience despite the controversies and backlash he faced in 2022 over antisemitic and racist comments.

Why it matters

Ye's ability to chart a top 10 album despite his recent controversies and industry backlash highlights the enduring commercial appeal of his music. This could signal a potential path for the rapper to rehabilitate his image and return to the mainstream, though many sponsors and partners have distanced themselves from him in the past year.

The details

Bully debuted behind BTS' Arirang, which topped the chart the previous week. Ye's album earned 152,000 equivalent album units, a strong showing that suggests his fanbase remains loyal. The album features Ye's signature sound, including finely curated soul samples. In the lead-up to the album's release, Ye announced a series of high-profile concert performances, including a three-night run at London's Wireless Festival and two sold-out shows at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles that drew tens of thousands of fans.

  • Bully was released on April 5, 2026.
  • Ye performed two sold-out shows at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles in the weeks prior to the album's release.
  • Ye announced a three-night run at London's Wireless Festival for the summer of 2026.

The players

Kanye West

Also known as 'Ye,' he is a Grammy-winning rapper, producer, and fashion designer who has faced significant controversy in recent years over antisemitic and racist comments.

BTS

The popular K-pop group whose album 'Arirang' debuted at No. 1 the week prior, keeping Ye's 'Bully' from the top spot.

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What they’re saying

“That's what 80,000 people sound like... They said I'd never be back in the States. Two sold-out concerts, baby!”

— Kanye West

What’s next

Ye is scheduled to perform a three-night run at London's Wireless Festival this summer, though some sponsors have already backed out of the event due to his past controversies.

The takeaway

Ye's ability to chart a top 10 album despite his recent scandals highlights the enduring commercial appeal of his music, even as he continues to face industry backlash. This could signal an opportunity for the rapper to potentially rehabilitate his image, though many remain skeptical of his ability to move past the controversies.