US rapper Kanye West has spoken about how the recent death of his mother has affected his life.
In a message on his blog, West, who is currently in Japan, revealed that he has only just been able to record his “first verse”.
“It felt good and I was inspired,” the rapper explained.
“Chris Milk told me tragedy can produce great art and this is definitely true. I am a total mad man now, up till 3 am every night, trying to fight pain, boredom, and uncertainty with creativity.”
West’s mother, Donda, died last November after complications arose during cosmetic surgery.
Mrs West was a strong campaigner for her son’s music and in May last year published a book about the lessons she learnt brining the rapper up.
In West’s candid blog, he said that he doesn’t “do anything I don’t love anymore.”
“While people chase money I pursue happiness,” he continued. “So many people talk about there investments or how much money they have but there's so many rich people who spend a lot of that trying to buy a piece of happiness.
“If there's anything my mom taught me is to enjoy life.”
Earlier this week the rapper confirmed that his only UK festival appearance of 2008 will be at the Global Gathering Festival in Stratford-Upon-Avon this July.
You can find out everything you need to know about this summers festival, by going to our new look Festival Guide.
