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

The Rapper Claims That He Is To Music What Michael Jordan Was To Basketball

(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."

[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.

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.

Another Lost Generation.

[generey]

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

[swingset4u]

Ummm, Don''t think so. He is talking out his a$$ cus'' his mouth knows better. And yet he still says nothing at all.

Typical.............................................

[ybotheratall]

I only had to listen to one horrible song this non-talented fool has come out with. He defines where music doesn''t need to be; without talent. He is the voice of what everyone in this country needs to turn away from; self-promotion, omnipotence (NOT earned in his case) and the ability to not stomp like a baby when they don''t win an award. What a loser he is.

[watercam]

Well at least he is humble about it.....
Has anyone ever even heard of this guy before? Michel Jordan indeed.

[oneworldusa]

Parents who allow their children to buy this guy''s music should be reprimanded. He is no example to be followed. Don''t support his ego.

[mediai11ness]

Im sorry but he is not the voice of this generation, he is incredibly arrogant, unpredictable, and as far as I can see has not done or said anything impressive or helpful to the young black and lost children of America who have been damaged by rap music....

[whitemale08]

Come on dude, you''re still a nobody.

As a hip-hop fan, I''m first to admit that hip-hop has died about 8 years ago.

You''re losing money, your record label is a ''bust'' and it''s just a matter of time when you go out of business like Suge Knight (who by the way is more famous then you will ever be since he helped pioneer hip-hop)

And how dare you compare yourself to Michael Jordan?

For that statement alone you will be laughed out of the pages of history!

[truthislife1]

Wow, great humbleness! And he''s richer than me, wonderful.

[u-r-right]

He needs to go buy an island and retire already, along with Poop Dirty, Snipped Doggie and the rest of these circus thugs who rotted the young minds with their rap drivel.

[dbstevens]

How is it that these narcissistic dolts get so much coverage? Actually, I don''t care about the coverage. It just bothers me that I work like a dog and barely make enough money to make ends meet, and these poor examples of humanity end up becoming millionaires for being idiots. ::sigh::

West, if you''re the voice for anything, it''s for idiots.