By Victoria Barker

American rapper and producer Kanye West was surprisingly genial.

Here for his Singapore gig last night at the Indoor Stadium, the man has made headlines since bursting onto the scene five years ago - and not just for his brilliant music.

Just last month, he was arrested following a scuffle with photographers at an airport in Los Angeles.

He also angered fans earlier this year for being two hours late for a gig at the Bonnaroo Festival in Tennessee. His political rantings have also created some controversy.

But in person, at a press conference at the Intercontinental Hotel yesterday, the 31-yearold was the consummate gentleman, fielding questions for about 20 minutes, displaying a somewhat-wry sense of humour.

And when told time had run out, the Georgia-born superstar graciously insisted on taking four more questions from journalists - not exactly typical behaviour from one who's known for being short-tempered with the press.

But one could still espy West's self-assured cockiness beneath his laid-back get-up of baggy jeans, T-shirt and cap.

He treated the media to an exclusive preview of his fourth studio offering - 808s And Heartbreak, which will be released next month.

"Every time I perform, I'm always thinking I (plan to be) the greatest performer of this generation," he pronounced matter- of-factly. "Songs like Through The Wire and Jesus Walks have been embedded in people's hearts, spirits and minds," he added.

Still, the past year hasn't been smooth-sailing for West. His mother died last November from complications due to plastic surgery. West and then-fiancee Alexis Phifer also split in April - an event which seems to have left a scar.

He alluded to the latter event when he was asked about what inspired the artwork for the new album, which features a red flattened heart-shaped balloon.

West's response? "Oh, just a broken heart."

Broken heart or no, the guy was accompanied by a comely unidentified woman at the album - playback session and press conference.

At the end of the day, his passion for music keeps him going.

"I feel privileged that I'm able to get my emotions out through art, (especially) with all the devastation I've been dealing with," West said.

vbarker@sph.com.sg

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