Kanye West is declaring victory after DONDA 2 failed to chart.
The 16-track sequel album was excluded from the Billboard charts because it wasn’t released through the traditional streaming channels and is only available through his Stem Player.
But Ye is not concerned. In fact, he’s celebrating because he sees his rule-breaking release as a shift from the norm.
“Big win for the kid,” he wrote on Instagram. “We can no longer be counted or judged We won we won we won we won We make my own systems.”
He went on to quote Fat Joe, adding, “We set our own value aaaand yesterdays price is not todays price baaaaabeeeee!!!!!”
DONDA 2 was released exclusively via Ye’s $200 Stem Player on Feb. 23 featuring appearances from Migos, Travis Scott, Baby Keem, Jack Harlow, and more. According to Billboard, 39,500 Stem units have been sold, generating net sales of over $8.6 million.
Ye previously explained why he decided not to release the album to streaming services. “Donda 2 will only be available on my own platform, the Stem Player. Not on Apple Amazon Spotify or YouTube,” he said. “Today artists get just 12% of the money the industry makes. It’s time to free music from this oppressive system. It’s time to take control and build our own.”
He also revealed that he turned down a nine-figure deal from Apple Music. “After 10 albums after being under 10 contracts. I turned down a hundred million dollar Apple deal,” added Ye. “No one can pay me to be disrespected. We set our own price for our art. Tech companies made music practically free so if you don’t do merch sneakers and tours you don’t eat.”
It remains to be seen how the Stem Player will factor in future charts. Billboard plans to continue to monitor the new technology as it relates to chart eligibility.