Kanye West finally hears Grammy winner Beck, likes it

Almost two weeks after blasting Grammy winner Beck, rapper Kanye West said that he finally has heard his album -- and liked it.
The outspoken rapper nearly rushed onto stage at the Grammys when Album of the Year went to Beck's "Morning Phase" and afterward said that the alternative rock icon should "respect artistry" and give his prize to fellow nominee Beyonce.
Asked Friday about the criticism he faced over his behavior, West said: "I deserved it, man. I was completely hypocritical."
West said that he was recently dining with Taylor Swift -- another artist he had denounced in the past for winning an award -- and the restaurant put on "Morning Phase."
"Maybe they did it on purpose, so I could finally hear it. But I was like, man, this is kind of good. I ain't gonna lie," West told the New York hip-hop radio station Power 105.1 FM.
West said he would listen more thoroughly to "Morning Phase" and conceded: "Maybe it was, potentially, an Album of the Year."
But West stood by his argument that the music industry's biggest night should award superstars who generate money for the Grammys by bringing fans who watch on television.
West has won 21 Grammys in his career, making him one of the most awarded artists. He performed at the February 8 Grammys alongside Paul McCartney and Rihanna.
Beck, who is known for his eclectic mash-ups of genres, turned to a more introspective, acoustic sound with "Morning Phase." The 44-year-old Los Angeles rocker has won critical acclaim over his two-decade career but his fan base is far more niche than those of West or Beyonce.
British soul singer Sam Smith, who rose to fame last year with the ballad "Stay With Me," swept the other three of the most prestigious awards at the Grammys.