LONDON (Nov. 14) - Generally, the braggodocio that goes on among rappers is merely talk that’s easily tossed out as hyperbole and self-promotion. When it comes to Kanye West, however, he’s actually making a valid (if not mightily conceited point) most of the time.

Kanye Mr. Humble’ West

“There were people who had the potential to do it but they went on vacation, so when Justin [Timberlake] went on vacation I made albums, and it just came out to be that.” — on Timberlake’s supposed failure to become music’s top dog due to a lack of new albums.

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“I realize that my place and position in history is that I will go down as the voice of this generation, of this decade, I will be the loudest voice.” — quote from a Nov. 12 interview.

Mike Marsland, Getty Images

“It’s me settling into that position of just really accepting that it’s one thing to say you want to do it and it’s another thing to really end up being like Michael Jordan.” — quote from a Nov. 12 interview.

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“If I was more complacent and I let things slide, my life would be easier, but you all wouldn’t be as entertained. My misery is your pleasure.”– quote from a 2006 Rolling Stone interview

Amy Sussman, Getty Images

“We were obviously dealing with f—— idiots who didn’t really have the capacity to really put on this show properly. They tried 2 give me a time slot were it was still light outside. I have a f—— light show dumb a—, it’s not called glow in the dark for no reason squid brains.” — blaming the organizers for Bonnaroo problems.

Jeff Kravitz, FilmMagic.com

“Oh hell no! This video cost a million dollars! I had Pam Anderson, I’m jumping across canyons and s—! If I don’t win, the awards show loses credibility.” — on losing at the 2006 MTV Europe Music Awards

Damian Dovarganes, AP

“In America, they want you to accomplish these great feats, to pull off these David Copperfield-type stunts. You want me to be great, but you don’t ever want me to say I’m great?” — quote from a 2006 Rolling Stone interview

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“That’s two years in a row, man … give a black man a chance. I’m trying hard, man, I have the … number one record, man.” — on not winning a 2007 VMA

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“They exploited Britney in helping to end her career. When Britney was opening [the VMA telecast], near the end, I felt so bad for her. I said, ‘Man, it’s a dirty game.’” — on Britney Spears’ VMA performance

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“George Bush doesn’t care about black people” — during a Hurricane Katrina recovery telethon appearance with Mike Myers.

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His latest quotable? He says he’s the Michael Jordan of rap music.

“I realize that my place and position in history is that I will go down as the voice of this generation, of this decade, I will be the loudest voice,” he said in an interview on Wednesday. “It’s me settling into that position of just really accepting that it’s one thing to say you want to do it and it’s another thing to really end up being like Michael Jordan.”

The Grammy-winning rapper-producer said Justin Timberlake had a chance to be music’s MVP, but hasn’t put out enough material. (Timberlake’s last album was in 2006, while West released a CD last year and is releasing his latest — “808s and Heartbreak” — on Nov. 24.)

“There were people who had the potential to do it but they went on vacation, so when Justin went on vacation I made albums,” he said. “And it just came out to be that.”

West, 31, said life has been difficult since his mother’s death. Donda West died last November after having plastic surgery.

“I’m just going through balancing that. And I always used to have that support system, you know. My mom would be there; no matter what, she was there before everything,” he said. “We were together for like 30 years. And you know now when I’m on that stage and I look out and I say, ‘What am I going to do with the rest of my life?’ Like when does a real life start?’ Because I have sacrificed real life to be a celebrity and to give this art to people, which is great. It is great that I was able to do that, I’m not trying to shun that in any way, but it’s definitely a Catch-22 and it’s bittersweet.”

Kanye West Snapshots

** FILE ** In this Sept. 26, 2007 file photo, Rapper Kanye West arrives at the “Us Weekly Hot Hollywood 2007″ party in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian, file)

AP

** FILE ** In this Sept. 26, 2007 file photo, Rapper Kanye West arrives at the “Us Weekly Hot Hollywood 2007″ party in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian, file)

AP

(HIGHER RATES; NO TABLOIDS;ITALY OUT) Kid Rock, Bono and Kanye West pose Backstage the 2008 MTV Europe Music Awards held at at the Echo Arena on November 6, 2008 in Liverpool, England.

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(ITALY OUT) Rapper Kanye West backstage at the 2008 MTV Europe Music Awards held at at the Echo Arena on November 6, 2008 in Liverpool, England.

Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic.com

(HIGHER RATES; NO TABLOIDS) Kanye West performs at the 2008 MTV Europe Music Awards held at at the Echo Arena on November 6, 2008 in Liverpool, England.

Kevin Mazur/WireImage.com

(HIGHER RATES; NO TABLOIDS) Kanye West and Estelle performs at the 2008 MTV Europe Music Awards held at at the Echo Arena on November 6, 2008 in Liverpool, England.

Kevin Mazur/WireImage.com

Kanye West and Estelle pose Backstage at the 2008 MTV Europe Music Awards held at at the Echo Arena on November 6, 2008 in Liverpool, England.

Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic.com

(HIGHER RATES; NO TABLOIDS) Kanye West performs at the 2008 MTV Europe Music Awards held at at the Echo Arena on November 6, 2008 in Liverpool, England.

Kevin Mazur/WireImage.com

Singr Estelle and rapper Kanye West on stage during the 2008 MTV Europe Music Awards held at at the Echo Arena on November 6, 2008 in Liverpool, England.

Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic.com

Kanye West performs at the 2008 MTV Europe Music Awards held at at the Echo Arena on November 6, 2008 in Liverpool, England.

Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic.com