West New King Of Pop

Hip-hop star Kanye West he decided he is the right man to take Michael Jackson's crown - declaring himself "the new King of Pop".

The Stronger hitmaker is convinced that he is just as popular as the late Thriller hitmaker and deserves to take on the title of music biggest star now Jackson has passed away.

He tells Scrape TV, "You know everyone loves and respects Michael but times change. It's so sad to see Michael gone but it makes a path for a new King of Pop and I'm willing to take that on. There's nobody who can match me in sales and in respect so it only makes sense for me to take over Michael's crown and become the new King.

"First there was Elvis (Presley), then there was Michael, now in the 21st century it's Kanye's time to rule. I am the new King of Pop."

Kanye West sent concert goers in New York into a screaming frenzy on Thursday night (30Jul09) when he joined Clipse for a surprise collaboration.

The Grindin' hitmakers hit the stage at Webster Hall as part of the line-up on the DieselUMusic tour and they stunned fans by bringing West out to join them for their track Kinda Like A Big Deal.

The crowd was given another treat later on in the night when headlinersThe Roots formed an unlikely collaboration with Swedish star Lykke Li.

The Grammy-winning group was heavily rumoured to be teaming up with Jay-Z for the exclusive show - but the rap superstar was nowhere in sight and instead, The Roots played a unique set with the Swedish poprock singer Rising rapper Drake, who was billed for the event, was another no-show - he had to pull out of the concert after failing to recover in time froma knee injury.