Kanye West apologizes to Beck for Grammy verbal attack

Los Angeles (AFP) -

Hip-hop star Kanye West apologized to Beck after he loudly objected to the alternative rocker winning the Grammy for Album of the Year.

"I would like to publicly apologize to Beck. I'm sorry Beck," West wrote on Twitter on Thursday.

West also apologized to funk-driven young star Bruno Mars, writing: "I used to hate on him but I really respect what he does as an artist."

The statements of contrition come after West stole some of the limelight at the Grammys on February 8 by questioning the surprise honor for Beck's "Morning Phase," a melancholy album driven by acoustic guitar and strings.

West briefly rushed toward the stage at the Grammys and later told an interviewer that Beck should "respect artistry" by giving the prize to Beyonce.

West -- one of the most awarded artists with 21 Grammys over his career -- argued that the music industry's premier event should recognize top-selling musicians as they earn advertising revenue by performing at the televised gala.

But last week, West said that he finally heard "Morning Phase" while at a restaurant with Taylor Swift -- another artist he has berated in the past -- and enjoyed the album.

Beck, known for his eclectic mash-ups of genres, has won critical acclaim over his two-decade career but his fan base is far more niche than those of West or Beyonce.