In addition to all his accolades and musical achievements, rapper and producer Kanye West is known for making headlines for his antics, comments, and sometimes even his work. He caught everyone’s attention earlier this week after apologizing in the Wall Street Journal. where he expressed remorse for his statement regarding the Jewish community. Now the internet has questioned the timing of this apology, as Kanye’s new album Bully is set to be released on January 30.
While the timing seems extremely convenient, Kanye has denied any connection between the two events. During an interview with Vanity Fair, the rapper was asked the same thing and he responded by pointing out his streaming numbers. He said: “My understanding is that I was in the top 10 artists overall in the US on Spotify in 2025, and last week and most days too.”
He continued: “My next album, ‘Bully,’ is also currently one of the most anticipated pre-saves of any album on Spotify. My 2007 album, ‘Graduation,’ was also the most streamed and streamed hip-hop album of 2025. This, for me, as evidenced by this last one, is not about reviving my commerciality. This is because these feelings of regret were very heavy on my heart and weighed on my spirit. I owe a huge “My Apologies once again for everything I said that hurt the Jewish and black communities in particular. “This all went too far.”
Kanye said he wants to fall on the right side of history and understands the kind of responsibility he has becoming a public figure. “I look at the remains of my episode and realize that this is not who I am. As a public figure, a lot of people follow and listen to my every word. It’s important for them to realize and understand which side of the story I want to be on. And that’s one of love and positivity,” Kanye said.
The apology in question spoke of an accident that occurred 25 years ago in which Kanye was a part. He revealed that he suffered from bipolar-1 disorder, which was diagnosed much later. This caused manic episodes, during which he lashed out. The attacks involved abusive anti-Semitic comments on social media, public fights with ex-partnersand releasing songs like ‘Heil Hitler’. While the apology clarified a lot of things for Kanye fans, the reception of his album should reveal whether people have forgiven him.