Kanye: "I'm The Voice Of This Generation"

(AP)  Kanye West is to music what Michael Jordan was to basketball - at least that's what West thinks, in his humble estimation.

"I realize that my place and position in history is that I will go down as the voice of this generation, of this decade, I will be the loudest voice," he said in an interview on Wednesday. "It's me settling into that position of just really accepting that it's one thing to say you want to do it and it's another thing to really end up being like Michael Jordan."

The Grammy-winning rapper-producer said Justin Timberlake had a chance to be music's MVP, but hasn't put out enough material. (Timberlake's last album was in 2006, while West released a CD last year and is releasing his latest - "808s and Heartbreak" - on Nov. 24.)

"There were people who had the potential to do it but they went on vacation, so when Justin went on vacation I made albums," he said. "And it just came out to be that."

West, 31, said life has been difficult since his mother's death. Donda West died last November after having plastic surgery.

"I'm just going through balancing that. And I always used to have that support system, you know. My mom would be there; no matter what, she was there before everything," he said. "We were together for like 30 years. And you know now when I'm on that stage and I look out and I say, 'What am I going to do with the rest of my life?' Like when does a real life start?' Because I have sacrificed real life to be a celebrity and to give this art to people, which is great. It is great that I was able to do that, I'm not trying to shun that in any way, but it's definitely a Catch-22 and it's bittersweet."

By Louise Dixon

[dudzim]

No, Kanye, you are just a WANKER!

The only good thing about the economy meltdown in the US is that Kanye West, Brett Favre, A-Rod,Bradjolina and more losers like them will be in the same soup lines with the rest os us working stiffs. Hey Kanye, enough brie on that deli tray, bro? "Voice of this generation?" - I laugh in your face.

[jasbek]

Hmmm It seems to me that if you have to say that about yourself then its probably not the case!! Never heard Michael Jordan say that, he didn''t need to!! What an idiot.

[slaguy]

What a self centered idiot. I cant believe i took time out of my life to actually read this trash. Better yet i cant believe the news took time out of their lives to write this garbage. Anyone who talks themselves up like this should be banned from ever speaking again. Talk about a "Premadonna". Kanye West is an no talent ignorant fool.

[shawnp20]

Kanye...... you are a nobody!!! You aren''t white enough to be respected, and not black enough to be feared!!! More people have forgotten about Michael Jordan than have ever even uttered your sorry a$$ name!!! You and your Urkel glasses running on a 9 volt battery are nothing but a product of your own ego! Noone thinks about you until you open your mouth and force yor way into the news!!! Out of the news.... out of mind!!!!

[au_fait]

You have to be kidding me. he has made, sorry sampled some good music and used it to propel himself into the limelight.

[bobnjersey]

["There were people who had the potential to do it but they went on vacation, so when Justin went on vacation I made albums," he said. "And it just came out to be that." ]

ahhh ... there''s not enough room for anyone else when kayne is around .... his ego is taking up all the available space.

[choiceshaveconsequences]

If he''s right, he only has 888 rungs to climb on the name popularity ladder. He sure got his name right. Isn''t "tribute" something you are compelled to pay to people who have hijacked something you value? Like music? I think pirates used to exact that near Tripoli? They never used rap as a weapon of choice, though.

[choiceshaveconsequences]

Another Lost Generation.

[generey]

Too funny! What is he trying out for now...comedy?