Kanye West says his new album is `great art'

By NATALIE ROTMAN
Associated Press Writer

LOS ANGELES — Kanye West says he's not concerned about whether his new album is a blockbuster, because he's made "great art" — and he feels really good about it.

West's new CD, "808s & Heartbreak," was released Monday. It's a departure for the 31-year-old rapper because it mostly features him singing.

(enlarge photo)

In this Nov. 23, 2008 file photo, Kanye West arrives at the American Music Awards in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Evan Agostini, file)

West says he was ready to take a risk and he thinks it paid off.

Says West: "You know people sometimes don't understand great art when they first hear it, but I am very confident in it. Whether it sells as much as the last one, or way more, I feel like I am just successful in doing something I felt really good about."

___

On the Net:

http://www.kanyeuniversecity.com/

___

Copyright 2008, The Associated Press. The information contained in the AP Online news report may not be published, broadcast or redistributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press.