Kanye West has joined a list of celebrities, icons and politicians on Time magazine's list of 100 most influential people. The rapper is celebrated as a "titan" on the newly-published list, which also includes his wife Kim Kardashian.
According to Tesla Motors CEO Elon Musk, Kanye deserves his place on the list because of his outspoken nature and "incredible tenacity".
"Kanye West would be the first person to tell you he belongs on this list. The dude doesn't believe in false modesty, and he shouldn't," Elon explains, adding: "Kanye does think. Constantly. About everything. And he wants everybody else to do the same: to engage, question, push boundaries.
© Photo: Getty ImagesKanye West and Kim Kardashian have been named on Time's list of influential people
"Now that he's a pop-culture juggernaut, he has the platform to achieve just that."
Meanwhile his reality TV star wife was praised by Martha Stewart for being a "media phenomenon".
"Kim exudes energy, sexuality, drama, determination, impetuousness and happiness. But she and her famous, entrepreneurial siblings – shepherded by a savvy, tireless matriarch – have also expanded the very definition of family."
© Photo: Getty ImagesEmma Watson is also celebrated in the annual list
The couple, who have recently been on a week-long tour of Armenia and Israel, are in good company on the annual list. Other stars to make the cut include "dazzling actor" Bradley Cooper, "revolutionary" politician Hillary Clinton, and "iconic" actress Reese Witherspoon.
Meanwhile Emma Watson's efforts launching the United Nations HeForShe campaign see her make the list as a "pioneer". The actress, who celebrated her 25th birthday on Wednesday, was praised for her "vigorous embrace of feminism" and now infamous speech which became an "internet sensation".
Another young female star to make the list is Taylor Swift. The talented singer-songwriter is named as an icon Law and Order actress Mariska Hargitay, who describes her as a "megawatt talent, an extraordinary spirit, an impossibly charming blend of impishness, poise and radiance to spare".
The extensive list is published annually and takes into account those who have inspired others, positively or negatively – with each person's profile written about them by another notable figure.
