Kanye West has officially made DONDA 2 available on major streaming platforms for the first time, ending a years-long exclusivity that required fans to purchase a Stem Player to hear the album. Originally released in February 2022, the 18-track project has now appeared on Spotify and YouTube Music—though notably, Apple Music is still not streaming it.
Even more curious is how West released the album. Instead of uploading it to his main Spotify artist page, DONDA 2 was released under a completely separate profile simply titled “DONDA,” echoing Kanye’s unpredictable approach to music distribution.
From Stem Player to Streaming
At the time of its original release, DONDA 2 was one of the most unconventional album rollouts in recent music history. West opted to make it available exclusively through the $200 Stem Player device, calling it a new model for artist control in the industry. This decision frustrated many fans but also sparked conversations about artist ownership and digital innovation.
Now, with the album available on streaming for the first time, longtime listeners are finally getting a more accessible version—though some changes have been made.
What’s Different About the Streaming Version?
While much of the album remains intact from the Stem Player release, there are several key differences:
- “Eazy” Removed: The track “Eazy,” a controversial collaboration with The Game that drew attention for its aggressive lyrics and Pete Davidson diss, has been completely removed from the project.
- New Track “Mr Miyagi”: In its place, fans are treated to a new collaboration with Future titled “Mr Miyagi,” which also features Playboi Carti. The track brings a more melodic, trap-infused vibe compared to the harsh tone of “Eazy.”
- Polished “530”: The track “530,” which previously appeared in an unfinished form on Vultures 2 (West’s joint album with Ty Dolla $ign), has been cleaned up and finalized for this release.
Star-Studded Features
DONDA 2 continues Kanye’s tradition of high-profile collaborations. The album includes guest appearances from:
- Travis Scott
- Jack Harlow
- XXXTENTACION
- Baby Keem
- Alicia Keys
Despite their recent personal turmoil, Kim Kardashian’s voice still features prominently on the track “Scifi.” Her audio clip is from her 2021 Saturday Night Live monologue, where she praised West’s genius and wealth, saying, “I married the best rapper of all time. Not only that, he is the richest Black man in America.”
The Album’s Artwork & Symbolism
Kanye retained the original DONDA 2 artwork for the streaming version—an image of his childhood home engulfed in flames. The symbolic imagery mirrors West’s frequent themes of rebirth, destruction, and personal conflict, which are explored throughout the album.
What’s Next for Kanye?
West has been teasing an explosion of new material. In addition to the release of Bully, a visual album, he’s previewed another provocative project originally titled WW3, now retitled Cuck. That potential album has already stirred controversy due to song titles like “Heil Hitler” and “Cosby” and cover art featuring individuals dressed in Ku Klux Klan robes embracing.
While no official release date for Cuck has been confirmed, the rollout of DONDA 2 on streaming may be a sign that more of West’s catalog—both old and new—will soon become more accessible.
With DONDA 2 finally arriving on platforms like Spotify and YouTube Music, Kanye West has given fans the chance to revisit—or discover for the first time—his most experimental work to date. The move also signals a shift in his distribution strategy, as he balances control with reach. Whether or not Cuck follows the same path remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Kanye remains one of the most unpredictable figures in music.
