James Blake, the English singer-songwriter and producer, has requested his name be removed from the producer credits of Kanye West’s new album, Bully, specifically on the track “THIS ONE HERE.” This decision, announced today, stems not from moral objections, but from Blake’s assertion that the final version of the song significantly departs from his original production.
Collaboration and Creative Differences
Blake and West, who previously collaborated over a decade ago, also worked together on a project called WAR in 2022, which was never officially released. Blake appeared on West and Ty Dolla $ign’s 2024 track “TALKING,” which featured West’s daughter North West’s musical debut. According to Blake, while elements of his initial work remain – including his vocal pitching and track construction from a freestyle – “the spirit of my actual production is mostly absent.”
Blake explained on Vault, a direct-to-fan music platform he launched in 2024, that he doesn’t want to take credit for work that doesn’t reflect his creative vision. He stated, “It’s not personal! I just hit a point where don’t want to be credited on music where I can’t affect the end result.”
AI and Artistic Control
The release of Bully follows a full-page apology West issued in the Wall Street Journal earlier this year, where he attributed past controversial statements to bipolar disorder and a brain injury. The album’s creation has also been marked by conflicting statements regarding the use of artificial intelligence. West initially claimed the album utilized AI “the same way I incorporated Auto-Tune,” but later stated on X, “BULLY ON THE WAY NO AI.”
“THIS ONE HERE” also credits Don Toliver and Quentin Miller for both writing and production. A previous version of the track, titled “SHOWTIME,” appeared on the unreleased WAR project and featured co-production from No I.D.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted James Blake to request removal of his credit?
James Blake requested his name be removed from the producer credits because he believes the final version of the track “THIS ONE HERE” on Kanye West’s album Bully differs significantly from his original production, stating “the spirit of my actual production is mostly absent.”
What is Kanye West’s recent history regarding public apologies?
Kanye West issued a public apology in the Wall Street Journal a few months ago, attributing past behavior to bipolar disorder and a brain injury, and stating his commitment to “accountability, treatment, and meaningful change.”
Has Kanye West discussed the use of AI in the creation of Bully?
Yes, Kanye West initially stated the album utilized AI, but later contradicted himself on X, claiming “BULLY ON THE WAY NO AI.”
As the music industry continues to evolve, will artists increasingly prioritize maintaining creative control, even if it means disassociating from commercially released projects?
