US rapper Kanye West has spoken openly about the death of his mother, Donda, at a press conference in London.

West's mother passed away a year ago this week after complications arose during surgery in Los Angeles. She was 58.

The rapper told reporters at the launch of his new album, '808s and Heartbreak', that he felt guilt over his mother's death.

“I moved to California, so did my mum. I feel my mum moved to California and did stuff that she wouldn’t have done if she was still in Chicago,” he said.

West's new album focuses heavily on West's singing voice, which is channeled through a vocoder, rather than his rapping skills.

And he told MTV that he wasn't bothered if people criticised his new direction.

“I did the effects because I like the way they sound. I like autotune... For anyone who doesn’t like it - fuck you,” he said.

(by Jason Gregory)