Kanye West invited back to MTV VMAs

Image source, Reuters

Image caption, Kanye interrupted Taylor Swift's acceptance speech last year
  • Author, Greg Cochrane
  • Role, Newsbeat music reporter

Kanye West has been invited back to MTV's Video Music Awards where he famously interrupted Taylor Swift's acceptance speech last year.

The rapper will perform at the ceremony which takes place on 12 September in Los Angeles.

President Obama called West a "jack-ass" after he stormed the stage as the country-pop star picked up the best female video prize.

West later apologised to the 21-year-old.

Song reference

Speaking to New York radio station WQHT yesterday he said he "grew" from the negative reaction which followed the incident.

"I needed that," he said. "I have to have humility. I had truth and confidence, but I had to add humility and empathy. I added those after I got beat up."

However, it's unsuprising that he has been invited back. The event was one of the most talked about in the VMA's 26-year history with Jay-Z defending his friend, saying it was "rude" but that he "didn't kill anybody" after the event.

West has also made a tongue-in-cheek reference to the incident in a new song, called See Me Now.

The track features vocals from Beyonc茅 and Charlie Wilson with Kanye rapping, "I'mma let you finish but I'm gonna get Beyonc茅 on the track".

The rapper has also confirmed his forthcoming fifth album will be released on 16 November in the US.

Current single Power also appears to make reference to last year's VMA's with West's line: "They say I was the abomination of Obama's nation/Well, that's a pretty bad way to start the conversation."