Say what you will about Kanye West but the man is never dull. During a surprise show in New York yesterday, Kanye launched into an epic 9+ minute rant on a variety of subjects. He defended George W. Bush, compared Matt Lauer to a child molester, ripped Taylor Swift, and more.

Personally, I think everyone should start wearing shades like that 24 hours a day inside and out. Am I right?

Kanye West unexpectedly serenaded passengers aboard a Delta Airlines flight Nov. 5th. He sang “Gold Digger” and “The Good Life” and then sat back down.

(hat tip HuffPo)

Former President George W. Bush says Kanye West’s statement that, “George Bush doesn’t care about black people” was among the most disgusting moments of his presidency.

PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH:
Yes, I do. He called me a racist.

MATT LAUER:
Well, what he said, “George Bush doesn’t care about black people.”

PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH:
That’s — “he’s a racist.” And I didn’t appreciate it then. I don’t appreciate it now. It’s one thing to say, “I don’t appreciate the way he’s handled his business.” It’s another thing to say, “This man’s a racist.” I resent it, it’s not true, and it was one of the most disgusting moments in my Presidency.

I’ve never forgotten that moment. I vowed that I would never spend another nickel on Kanye West’s music. And I haven’t. I have enjoyed illegally downloading it though.

What Kanye said in my view was unforgivable. I don’t think Bush did enough during Katrina. I think mistakes were made up and down the line. But to outright call the president a racist on national television like that was outrageous. What’s worse, he did it in the middle of a fundraiser to help the flood victims.

Kanye West has a long and sordid history of ignorance and bad judgment. What he did to Taylor Swift was further confirmation that buying his music or anything else he sells is simply out of the question.

Here’s some news that’s sure to give Kanye West renewed heartburn:

At just 19 years old, country music superstar Taylor Swift continues to shatter records, this time on the Billboard albums chart. This week her debut album, "Taylor Swift," becomes the longest charting album of the century.

Her self-titled debut spends 157 weeks on the chart this week, taking the title for the album spending the most number of weeks inside Billboard’s Top 200 Albums.

Congratulations to Taylor for kicking so much musical ass — and for being a class act while doing so.

(hat tip OceanUp)

Well said.

Country singer John Rich gives his opinion about what Kanye West did to Taylor Swift at the VMA’s. Actor Mickey Rourke also ways in saying he’d like to see Kanye try and take a microphone from him.

After being on the wrong side of Gates-gate, it’s nice to hear the president agree that Kanye West did act like a jackass. Taylor Swift spoke about Kayne stealing her moment on “The View” this morning.

AUDIO OF OBAMA TALKING ABOUT KANYE

(hat tip OceanUP)

Kanye West is an asshole — pure and simple. Taylor Swift won “Best Female Video” — her first VMA win ever, only to have her moment stolen away by arrogant asshole Kanye West. West burst onto the stage in the middle of her acceptance speech to say he was happy for Taylor, but Beyonce had the best video and should have won (I’m paraphrasing).

By the time West’s rant was over Taylor’s speech time was over and she had to just walk off the stage. To the audience’s credit however, they didn’t let Kanye get away with it. He was loudly booed for the rest of the night anytime his name was mentioned and he was thrown out of the show.

Kanye West is a world class dick.

It’s also worth mentioning that Beyonce was a total class act. She won an award later in the show and invited Taylor Swift on-stage to have the moment Kanye rudely stole from her. Beyonce recalled being 17 and winning her first VMA and how much it had meant to her.

Kanye issued a phony apology today via his blog. He’s sorry for what he did, but not sorry for what he said.

Hey Kanye, you’re still a huge dick.

Incidentally, one the most popular posts in Hot Joints history is the Taylor Swift/Miley Cyrus duet from several months ago.

-Chris Jones

This has nothing to do with politics, but I’m a big hip-hop fan so I thought I’d post the new Jay-Z video featuring Rihanna and Kanye West.

It’s called “Run This Town” and it’s the first single from Jay-Z’s highly anticipated new album Blueprint 3.

(hat tip MTV News)