Almost two weeks after blasting Grammy winner Beck, rapper Kanye West said that he finally has heard his album -- and liked it.
The outspoken rapper nearly rushed onto stage at the Grammys when Album of the Year went to Beck's "Morning Phase" and afterward said that the alternative rock icon should "respect artistry" and give his prize to fellow nominee Beyonce.
Asked Friday about the criticism he faced over his behavior, West said: "I deserved it, man. I was completely hypocritical."
West said that he was recently dining with Taylor Swift -- another artist he had denounced in the past for winning an award -- and the restaurant put on "Morning Phase."
"Maybe they did it on purpose, so I could finally hear it. But I was like, man, this is kind of good. I ain't gonna lie," West told the New York hip-hop radio station Power 105.1 FM.
West said he would listen more thoroughly to "Morning Phase" and conceded: "Maybe it was, potentially, an Album of the Year."
But West stood by his argument that the music industry's biggest night should award superstars who generate money for the Grammys by bringing fans who watch on television.
West has won 21 Grammys in his career, making him one of the most awarded artists. He performed at the February 8 Grammys alongside Paul McCartney and Rihanna.
Beck, who is known for his eclectic mash-ups of genres, turned to a more introspective, acoustic sound with "Morning Phase." The 44-year-old Los Angeles rocker has won critical acclaim over his two-decade career but his fan base is far more niche than those of West or Beyonce.
British soul singer Sam Smith, who rose to fame last year with the ballad "Stay With Me," swept the other three of the most prestigious awards at the Grammys.
AFP
Sat Feb 21 2015
West nearly rushed onto stage at the Grammys when Album of the Year went to Beck's "Morning Phase" and afterward said that the alternative rock icon should "respect artistry" and give his prize to fellow nominee Beyonce. - AFP Photo/Justin Tallis
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.
Bursa Malaysia ends higher on Budget 2025 optimism
The benchmark index, which opened 1.85 points higher at 1,643.29, moved between 1,641.71 and 1,649.31 throughout the trading session.
Five important aspects relating to people’s lives in Budget 2025 - PM
The focus is on driving the MADANI Economy, speeding reforms, cutting red tape, raising wages, and tackling the cost of living.
Economic outlook: Govt plans to leverage, expand existing city transit system
The expansion aims to provide a more efficient and reliable public transportation network, reduce congestion, and improve accessibility.
Economic outlook: Budget 2025 to lay foundation for a digital-driven economy
The report said Budget 2025 will entail efforts to position Kuala Lumpur as a top 20 global startup hub by 2030 through the KL20 initiative.
Economic outlook: Corruption and lack of accountability hinder economic progress
Special Cabinet Committee on National governance is established to curb corruption, law reforms to modernise outdate regulations, MoF said.
National Wages Consultative Council will be strengthened
The govt will also incentivise hiring women returning from career breaks, offer job matching and improve care services facilities.
Economic outlook: Ensuring 11 years of compulsory education for all children
Budget 2025 will continue prioritising upskilling and retraining initiatives to equip workers with the latest skill sets necessary.
Consolidated public sector projected to record lower surplus of RM41.7 bil 2024
The MoF said the consolidated general government revenue is estimated to increase slightly to RM384.7 billion in 2024.
PM announces substantial Budget 2025 hastening Malaysia to become Asian economic powerhouse
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said it would create jobs and also tackle financial leakages to enhance public spending efficiency.