January 4, 2010 11:32

Kanye West begins recording new album

Rapper looks to Gill Scott-Heron and Nina Simone for inspiration

Photo Gallery: Kanye West
Photo: PA

Kanye West has revealed he is currently in the studio recording new material.

Speaking on his Kanyeuniversecity.com blog, West hinted that he'll be taking a further step away from rap on the album, and likened himself to a "true poet".

"I'm so happy to be back in the studio making new music. I will bring you the best I have to offer with the same dedication that Kobe [Bryant, LA Lakers' shooting guard] has on the court," he wrote.

He added: "It's funny how so many rappers get worse as their careers stretch out, but true poets get better. We will follow in the footsteps of Maya Angelou, Gill Scott-Heron and Nina Simone. Their work improved with time. They documented what was happening in culture. That is our responsibility as the modern day artists and poets."

West, who's last album '808s & Heartbreak' was released in 2008, added that he wants to bring a sense of realism to the new material.

"Let us look past headlines and deal with just a bit of reality in this new decade. We have our own outlets now. We don't have to believe everything anymore," he said. "Now I'll figure out a way to make that rhyme."