Elton John has an interesting history with the hip-hop world. Who can forget his duet with Eminem at the 2001 Grammys? More recently, who can deny his piano and vocal efforts on Kanye West's majestic 'All of the Lights?' With that track's video set for a release soon, Elton has been speaking up about the genius of West's recent work.

"I grew to love R&B and Motown and all black music, gospel music. I never dismiss any form of music," he told TeenMusic.com. "I listen to everything. I'm on the new Kanye West record, for example. It's a genius record."

John didn't stop there, either. Blasting those who dismiss rap records outright due to some sort of social or musical prejudice, Elton said the behind-the-scenes craft and finished product on records like 'My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy' are of the highest artistic merit and fall far beyond the simple ridicule some use to deal with the genre.

"People who mock rap, and say, 'I don't like it,' they should go check out Kanye in the studio rapping," continued Sir Elton. "Or Eminem when he's in the studio. It's a phenomenon. Don't knock it until you've seen it. It may not be your cup of tea, but don't ridicule. I find that so many of my peers of my age don't listen to anything new. I love the new."

It's unknown if John is going to participate in the 'All of the Lights' music video, but his mark on the track is unmistakable. The clip, which is directed by Hype Williams, most definitely co-stars Rihanna and is set to debut within the next week.

Watch Kanye's 'Runaway' (Extended Version)'

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