It was in 2014 when Rihanna said, “She can beat me, but she can’t beat my outfit,” and it was around the same time that Kanye West said, “Humbly, I would say I am the most influential person in footwear right now.” The quotes have defined them and the confidence that millions have in their genius. This is why when both artists got the chance to combine their artistic brilliance, they could not stop complimenting each other.

Kanye West and Rihanna are both known to challenge conventions. This is why it was only right for her to be a part of the revolution that Ye’s fourth studio album ‘808s & Heartbreak’ was.

Back when Rihanna could not stop praising Kanye West

The Grammy winner’s fourth album marked his first after his mother’s death. The album’s impact on the music industry was so large that anything but ‘brilliant’ would not do it justice. It was just the right blend of emotional, pop, contemporary, and auto-tune. While many still struggle to find words for it, Rihanna aptly summed it up at the American Music Awards 2008. “Only Kanye West could do that,” said Rihanna as she talked about how daring his experiment with ‘808s & Heartbreak’ was.

While the album broke boundaries in terms of genres and what was considered ‘hot’ in music at that time, it did not receive many awards. It reached the top of the charts and made a name for itself with nominations, but could only win a Choice Award at the 2009 BET Awards.

It is not the first time that a masterpiece goes unrecognized by award shows. The fact that Rihanna felt the need to call West up and tell him that he has created magic is enough proof that it is among the best. What started as admiration grew into a timeless friendship between the two pop icons, which is a rarity in the rapping realm.

Are Ye and Rihanna friends?

While it was Rihanna who opened the doors to unleash a string of praises for the rapper at the American Music Awards, Kanye West has himself curated some beautiful lines to honor the ‘Diamonds’ singer and her light. Owing to their connection with Jay-Z and their affinity to bring unique music, the artists have collaborated many times. However, their bond goes much deeper than showing up to listen to each other’s albums at the studio at 2 AM.

As the world turned its back on the Yeezy creator, Rihanna went as far as getting up on the Superbowl Halftime Show stage to honor him. From her outfit to the stage design, all could be ticked off as Kanye West’s inspirations. For this mutual admiration to turn into another pop hit, Kanye West only has to invite Rihanna over to Tokyo, which seems to have become the hotspot for music artists.

Did you know that Kanye West and Rihanna collaborated on his ‘808s & Heartbreak’ album? Let us know in the comments below.