Kanye West breaks down during interview

Kanye West was reduced to tears as he recalled the death of his friend the late Louise Wilson during a live radio interview.

The 37-year-old rapper, who is known for his controversial public outbursts, shocked listeners tonight (26.02.15) during a chat with Radio 1's Zane Lowe when he was overcome with emotional as he remembered the legendary fashion professor, who died last year.

Speaking to the radio host, Kanye recalled the advice Louise gave him on raising his 20-month-old daughter North with wife Kim Kardashian West, 34, saying: "She just looked at me and said: 'Kanye, don't clap.' "

The 'Bound 2' hitmaker could then be heard breaking down as Zane, 41, asked him if he needed a minute to compose himself.

Kanye, clearly surprised by his emotion, replied just moments later: "That's never happened to me in an interview before."

The 'FourFiveSeconds' singer also opened up about how the "baddest professor of all time" inspired him.

He said: "[She was] notorious for not letting people stop at a 7 or 8" before adding that she would push her students to achieve a 12 and go on to create the likes of Alexander McQueen.

The songwriter attended the memorial service for Louise along with the likes of Victoria Beckham at St Paul's Cathedral in London ahead of London Fashion Week last week.

Professor Wilson passed away in her sleep on May 16, 2014, while visiting her sister in Scotland aged just 52.