Kanye West poses as Jesus on Rolling Stone cover

NEW YORK - Rapper Kanye West, unafraid to speak out over personal slights and more serious charges of political persecution, wears a crown of thorns as he poses as Jesus Christ on the cover of the next issue of Rolling Stone.

The feisty West also posed as Muhammad Ali for the magazine story, in which he complains that his hit "Gold Digger" should have been nominated for a Grammy as best rap song.

"That's a gimme Grammy," said West, who nonetheless garnered eight Grammy nominations, including one for best album for "Late Registration."

West caused a stir during an NBC TV benefit concert for Hurricane Katrina victims last September when in an impromptu remark he accused President George W. Bush of racism.

"George Bush doesn't care about black people," West said in reference to delays in providing relief to survivors of the hurricane that hit the US Gulf Coast.

West also said at the telethon that America was set up "to help the poor, the black people, the less well-off as slow as possible."

The rapper told Rolling Stone, "You don't know how many people have asked me about that. It's like my gift and my curse."

West says being outspoken is a key to his success.

"If I was more complacent and let things slide, my life would be easier, but you all wouldn't be as entertained," he said.

- REUTERS