Ye’s Long-Awaited Album, Previously Exclusive to Stem Player, Now Available on YouTube Music, Spotify, and Tidal

LOS ANGELES – In a move that has sent shockwaves through the music industry, Kanye West, now performing under the name Donda, officially released his album DONDA 2 to major streaming platforms on April 29, 2025, after years of anticipation and speculation. The album, initially launched in February 2022 as an exclusive to West’s proprietary Stem Player device, is now accessible to a global audience on YouTube Music, Spotify, and Tidal, with plans for rollout to Apple Music in the coming days.

The surprise drop was announced by West during a livestream, where he revealed that DONDA 2 would mark his first fully independent release, a milestone he described as unprecedented in the music industry. “This is for the culture, for the fans, for the vision,” West said, emphasizing his commitment to creative control and accessibility. The album, executive produced by Digital Nas and featuring contributions from collaborators like Sneako, includes 18 tracks, many of which are reworked versions of the original 2022 release. Notable songs include “True Love,” “Pablo,” and “Happy,” with guest appearances by Future and the late XXXTentacion.

The release comes after months of cryptic updates from West and his team, including posts on X hinting at tracklist changes and a potential Google Drive-style distribution model. Fans were particularly intrigued by the removal of “Louie Bags” and the addition of a new track titled “Jesse.” West has stated that DONDA 2 remains a work in progress, with plans for monthly updates reminiscent of his Wyoming recording era, a period that produced critically acclaimed albums like Ye and Kids See Ghosts.

The origin of DONDA 2 traces back to West’s tumultuous personal and professional life in 2021 and 2022. Named after his late mother, Donda West, the album was initially conceived as a continuation of his Grammy-nominated 2021 project Donda. However, its Stem Player exclusivity limited its reach, drawing mixed reviews from critics who called it incomplete and inaccessible. The 2025 release appears to address these criticisms, offering a polished version of the album to a broader audience while maintaining West’s signature experimental sound.

Social media erupted with reactions following the announcement, with fans praising West’s bold move toward independence. “Ye is rewriting the rules again,” one user posted on X, while another noted, “DONDA 2 feels like a redemption arc.” However, some expressed skepticism about the album’s completion, citing West’s perfectionist tendencies.