Kanye West has defended the lyrics of his new track Famous, claiming Taylor Swift came up with the controversial section in which the rapper proclaims: “I made that bitch famous.”
After the premiere of West’s album The Life of Pablo at Madison Square Garden on Thursday night, a row erupted over the lyric, with Swift’s US spokesperson insisting the singer was not happy about it, and her brother and friends making their unhappiness known on social media.
According to West, who responded to criticism via Twitter today, the lyric in question – “I feel like me and Taylor might still have sex / Why? I made that bitch famous” – was approved by both his wife, Kim Kardashian, and Swift herself.
“First thing is I’m an artist and as an artist I will express how I feel with no censorship,” said West.
“2nd thing I asked my wife for her blessings and she was cool with it,” he added. “3rd thing I called Taylor and had a hour long convo with her about the line and she thought it was funny and gave her blessings.”
As well as suggesting that people were trying to “demonize” and “compromise” art, West continued:
4th Bitch is an endearing term in hip hop like the word Nigga
— KANYE WEST (@kanyewest) February 12, 2016
5th thing I’m not even gone take credit for the idea… it’s actually something Taylor came up with …
— KANYE WEST (@kanyewest) February 12, 2016
West’s comments contradict a statement issued by Swift’s spokesperson, who said that Swift had suggested he avoid sexist lyrics and had rejected the offer to share Famous on her Twitter account. “She declined and cautioned him about releasing a song with such a strong misogynistic message. Taylor was never made aware of the actual lyric, ‘I made that bitch famous,’” the spokesperson said.
Swift’s spokesperson has yet to respond to the Guardian’s request for comment.
West and Taylor’s rift began in 2009 MTV VMAs, when West took to the stage and interrupted her acceptance speech to say: “Yo, Taylor, I’m really happy for you and I’mma let you finish, but Beyoncé had one of the best videos of all time. One of the best videos of all time.”
In the hours following his Taylor-related twitter-spree, West has released another track from The Life of Pablo. Take a listen to 30 Hours below.
