The New York Times this week published an extensive interview with hip-hop musician and producer Kanye West, ahead of the release of his sixth studio album, Yeezus. West spends much of the interview looking back on his previous albums, and discussing — with trademark bombast — the influences that have shaped him into one of the most fascinating and controversial artists working today. He also describes the creative process behind Yeezus, crediting the architecture of Le Corbusier as a source of inspiration, and looks forward to a future in which his name has the same cultural cachet as late Apple CEO Steve Jobs.

"I think what Kanye West is going to mean is something similar to what Steve Jobs means," West said. "I am undoubtedly, you know, Steve of internet, downtown, fashion, culture. Period. By a long jump. I honestly feel that because Steve has passed, you know, it's like when Biggie passed and Jay-Z was allowed to become Jay-Z."