Kanye West's career has been a ''giant art project''.

The rapper - who was originally interested in ''fine art'' - said he often forgets about his background and described his music as a ''trick'' he's pulled on the world.

He told Rolling Stone magazine: ''My original creative background was fine art.

''By the time I was 14, I was in national competitions for art, and I actually went to school for art. Sometimes I actually forget that.

''Except for when I tour and I look back at the stage and say, 'Wait a second, I forgot this was the whole trick I pulled on everyone to make them think I was a rapper, a musician or celebrity when the entire time it's all been a giant art project.' ''

The star noted he made the switch to music because he thought he could get his ''opinion'' across in a much ''stronger'' and more convincing manner.

He explained: ''I thought my opinion wasn't strong enough with what I was painting.

''When I would see my own work, I never thought I would visually be able to become one of the masters -- I thought I had a stronger opinion when I worked on music. I got a stronger response.''