KANYE WEST HEADING DOWN TO NEW ORLEANS, GAGGED ABOUT TELETHON

Kanye West has taken flak for his race related remarks in regards to the American government’s delay in helping those in New Orleans left stranded by hurricane Katrina. West said that President Bush didn’t help sooner because many who were left were black at a telethon this past weekend.

A few days afterwards, West was at the NFL press conference for this season’s kick off event in Los Angeles (September 6), and he said that he can’t really talk much about his comments except for the fact that he’s going to help this weekend.

“Yeah, at this point I’m just doing my job. Sunday I’ll be able to go down to you know where and help and do what I can and I can’t say anything about it or wear any T-shirts that say anything about you know what.”

Kanye West was at the telethon and at the NFL kick-off to support his new album, Late Registration, and he said that the incident combined with the rigorous promo schedule has taken its toll.

“It’s definitely been a storm of… It’s been a lot of pressure for one human being. I’m just, at this point, doing my job and I appreciate the opportunity to be placed up here and have an opportunity to perform for so many people, for my music to reach so many fans who I need to hear it, so…”

Kanye West was at the press conference with Maroon 5, whose singer Adam Levine appears on Late Registration on the track “Heard Em Say.” The collection of new songs was released on August 30 and sits atop of the Billboard 200 album chart.