After months of trying to get a phone interview with one of today’s hottest Mc’s who’s gearing up to release his highly anticipated fourth album “808’s & Heartbreaks”. After all of my leg work and countless phones calls not to mention emails has finally paid off. I got the chance to go head to head with none other then Mr.West! For us at 24hourhiphop.com to get someone such as Kanye who sometimes does not even want to work with certain well known magazines. I have to send a special thanks to GLC, Consequence and John Monopoly.

24: With every album you drop you seem to head into a different direction and push the envelope?

Kanye: That’s how music is suppose to be, that’s what the greats did and that’s what I’m going to do, god willing of course(LOL).

24: You shocked a lot of people with your first single “Love Lockdown”?

Kanye: I never meant to shock anyone but more so inspire the next great artist or rapper that comes behind me the way that Jay, Nas and B.I.G. Inspired me. An of course no one thought it would work just like they told me “Stronger” would never work.

24: How did Def Jam feel about the fact that on this new album your singing more then rapping?

Kanye: I’ll just sum it up by saying a lot of meetings(LOL). When drop a album I want that number one spot and I feel like this new album has the records and feel to help me do so whether or not I’m rapping or singing. All the music I sampled in the past had melody and that one of the things I wanted this album to have more then ever.

24: I’m not going to lie I’m still trying to get into “Love Lockdown” but I really vibe with “Heartless” and “Coldest winter”?

Kanye: Those were the first 3 records made from this album. I knew that would happen and that’s why I dropped “Heartless” right after followed up by “Coldest Winter”.

24: The video you dropped for “Love Lockdown” should pretty much get you that video of the year hands down?

Kanye: I need you on the damn, committee then because you saw that this year quality don’t always win, what up MTV(LOL).

24: As far as Good Music what’s in store for the future?

Kanye: We got a lot of new talent coming out of the camp like GLC project, ReallyDoe and Artist by the name of Big Sean out of Detroit and Kid Cudi who a lot of people are starting to get to know with his record “Day N Nite”. But its all about “Good Music” man if you cant bring something special every time then why do it, for the money then get the money and get out the game. It’s as simple as that.

24: When you and 50 Cent were promoting your last albums did you ever think you would out sell him?

Kanye West: No one knew what would really happen but I knew I had the better music and I was ready to go at who ever was standing in that #1 spot that week. 50 had sold way more millions then me prior to so he should of been the favorite in some eyes so I just came with it. We picked it up a notch with the marketing followed by the music and the rest was history. I think it was a historic day for Hip Hop period. It was at a time when people was seeming to lose interest in music a little and we both helped bring that side back “Like you getting the 50 or Ye album?”.

24: When you first started producing and rapping did you ever think you would have made it this far?

Kanye: With out a doubt, I had times where I felt down and like shit wasn’t turning my way but I wanted this and was ready to work for it and I’m still working to become better and work harder. So if the people tell me this album here is trash, I’m back in the studio trying to make sure the next one will be 10x better.

24: What advice would you give to all of the up and coming producers out there?

Kanye: You have to bring your “A Game” every time. When I had to play records for Jay I had to be ready or the next producer was going to be on the Blueprint album so make sure when you in your room your going hard like its your last beat you’ll ever make.

24: Any last words for the readers?

Kanye: Man, if you have a dream don’t just dream it follow through with it. We live in times were its a lot easier to get attention and a buzz as a artist compared to when I was coming out a few years ago. So be creative and try to make music that makes sense to you and that you can stand by if you end up getting a deal or not!