However, West says on the show "VH1 Storytellers" that he has learned to respect us gays: "If a black man from Chicago was taught to stand far away from gay people because he didn't want to be accused of being gay. What would happen if he'd run into a gay man? What's the talk? What would he learn, what would I learn? I learned that people in Chicago were wrong and I had been an asshole all along."

The 31-year-old star acknowledges he has a big ego, but doesn't believe he should be criticized because he always praises himself rather than slam rivals.

He explained: "I do have an ego and rightfully so. I think people should have an ego."

"Think about it - I don't offend people, I don't put anyone down. Do I name names or bring people down? That's not my thing. But I give myself big-ups. I feel good about the music I make."

Last update: 03-05-2009 21:03