Sir Paul McCartney doesn’t think Kanye West is a genius

McCartney said he regards West as a “great artist”
Collaborators: Paul McCartney and Kanye West worked together on FourFiveSeconds
Pascal Le Segretain/Getty
Emma Powell11 August 2016
The Weekender

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Sir Paul McCartney has revealed he doesn’t think Kanye West is a genius.

The veteran musician said he regards the US rapper as a “great artist”.

When asked if he sees West as a genius he told Rolling Stone: “I don't throw that word around. I think he's a great artist. Take My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy. I played it when I was cooking, and it was like, ‘This is good. There's some really innovative stuff’.

“When the word came from his people, through my people [laughs], I thought, ‘Let's give it a go.’”

West has labelled himself a genius in the past and told Jimmy Kimmel in 2013 that he would be lying if he said he wasn’t.

“For me, you know, I’m a creative genius,” he told the chat show host. “And there’s no other way to word it. I know you’re not supposed to say that about yourself. And I say things the wrong way a lot of times but my intention is always positive. For me to say I wasn’t a genius I’d be lying to you and myself.”

McCartney may not think West is a genius, but the Life of Pablo rapper recently broke Michael Jackson’s Billboard Hot 100 record after his collaboration with Schoolboy Q on That Part became his 40th single to make the chart countdown. Jackson has 39.

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West is one track away from equalling soul legend Marvin Gaye and two away from Turn Up The Music singer Chris Brown.

The Famous rapper credited Jackson for making him who he is today. During an interview on BBC Radio One he said: "Like, for me, as Kanye West, I would not be Kanye West if it wasn't for Michael Jackson. So for me, in my life and creativity it's been challenging, yeah, it's been challenging and everything.

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