Kanye says Justin Timberlake is only real rival

Reuters

'I AM THE TRUTH': Kanye West says Justin Timberlake is his only real rival in the music industry.

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Kanye West says Justin Timberlake is his nemesis.

The rapper believes the 'SexyBack' singer is the only star that can both rival and inspire him.

He told hip-hop magazine XXL: "My biggest inspiration and biggest competition is Justin Timberlake.

"He is the only other person that gets an across-the-board response and respect both on black radio and white radio."

Kanye says he and Justin are on a different level to everyone else and has compared their healthy rivalry to Prince and Michael Jackson's chart battle in the 80s.

He added: "If Justin hadn't come out and killed the game, I can't say that my album, singles and videos would be on the same level that they're on. We push each other.

"I look at me and Justin like Prince and Michael Jackson in their day."

The Grammy-award winner also insists he is not interested in record sales but instead concentrates on connecting with his fans.

He said: "I feel like my lyrics are, if not THE, then equal to, the realest lyrics out.

"I connected with so many people without talking about guns and drugs. It's harder to go to work 365 days than shoot a person in one day."

However, Kanye realises his arrogance could hinder his chances of success.

He revealed: "When people come up to you like, 'That was really good,' you're supposed to play stupid, like, 'Wow, you really think so?'

"Because people can't really handle the truth. But I am the truth. I'd rather be hated for what I am than loved for what I'm not."