Kanye West denies
gay rumors, bashes homophobia

Although hip-hop superstar Kanye West may shy away from the gangsta persona embraced by his peers, it doesn't mean he is afraid to stand up for himself. During a recent interview in New York City with Hot 97 radio DJ Angie Martinez, West responded to implications made by fellow rapper Beanie Sigel that West is gay, reports the Black Entertainment Television cable network.

In an interview conducted earlier this year for the upcoming DVD Beef IV, Sigel criticized West's fashion sense and advised the rapper to "come out of the closet." West, in turn, denied that he is gay, adding, "It's so disrespectful." He then expressed his distaste for the homophobia that is prevalent in hip-hop culture.

Upset that Sigel--who is on the same record label as West, Roc-a-Fella--would go to the press rather than confront him privately, West concluded the interview with an appeal to Sigel, asking, "Why wouldn't you come to me and talk to me about it?" (The Advocate)