Is Kanye West Releasing a New Album?

Kanye West at the Fashion Group International's Night of Stars Gala in 2019.
Kanye West at the Fashion Group International's Night of Stars Gala in 2019. Photo by Stephen Lovekin/Shutterstock (10455516ce)

Kanye West has been in the news a lot lately and it’s not related to his separation from Kim Kardashian or his relationship status—rumors are circulating about his new album. And it may be coming sooner than you think. So what’s all the hype about?

According to internet star Justin Laboy, the rapper held an exclusive listening party for the record in Las Vegas over the weekend for him and basketball star Kevin Durant. “Kanye played his new album for me & @KDTrey5 last night in Vegas. Man listen! The production is light years ahead of its time, and the bars sound like he’s broke & hungry trying to get signed again. Any artist who plan on dropping soon should just push it back,” the tweet reads.

In another tweet, Laboy reported that the album is complete and will drop this week.

Last year, Kanye told fans a new album was expected July 24. But the announcement was then followed by erratic tweets about the Kardashians, causing fans to question the reality of the album’s release.

West’s label Def Jam announced a listening session for the forthcoming album Donda on Thursday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. In the past, the rapper has held similar events the day before his albums dropped.