Rapper Kayne West offers harsh words for Britney Spears and MTV

Rapper Kayne West had some harsh words for both MTV and singer Britney Spears regarding the network's recent awards show in Las Vegas.

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Appearing on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" Friday, West accused MTV of using Spears' fame to garner higher ratings for its video music awards program despite her being unprepared for such an appearance, People magazine reported.

"I just felt like she wasn't ready and I felt like they had to get their ratings. ... It just shows you it's not a black and white thing; it's a money thing," West said. "I felt bad for her too. I felt bad for everyone involved."

West also suggested Spears' appearance on last Sunday's awards program was not indicative of her current status in the music industry.

"I told the guy at MTV, 'There's only a couple things important in music this year: Umbrella, Amy Winehouse,' " he said. "It's not just about me. Britney Spears is not important in music, but she's important to the tabloids and stuff like that."