Battle with 50 Cent 'a publicity stunt', admits Kanye

Kanye West has revealed his chart battle with rap rival 50 Cent was a publicity stunt he dreamed up to sell records.

The pair went head to head in September when both their albums were released on the same day.

West won after a frenzied media battle he now claims he created.

The 'Stronger' hitmaker came clean to GQ magazine, stating: "It was a complete publicity stunt. It was my idea. I knew it was going to take off as soon as we were going to come out on the same date.

"Think about it - you got the two biggest s**t-talkers in rap history. There's no-one in rap history for talking more s**t than me and 50. That's something I will stand on."

When asked about 50 Cent's vow to retire if he lost the battle, he said: "Oh man, he sold so many more records by saying that. Man, 50 is really one of my favourite rappers, too. I almost feel bad (about beating him)."

West hammered 50 with sales in the US, but 50 sold more albums worldwide than his rival.