Kanye West says critics of his footwear line are ''racist''.

The 38-year-old rapper - who calls himself a ''creative genius'' - claimed that those who were not impressed by his adidas Yeezy Boost 350 line simply don't like the fact that the designer is black and he believes racism is a huge problem in the fashion industry.

Kanye said: ''They saw the 350 [sneakers] and acted like they didn't like them because they're racist.

''We sell shoes that people want to line up for because we put love in them. We put heart in them, we want to make Christmas presents. We make something people want so bad it hurts them if they can't have it. It isn't just a financial opportunity - of course you need finances - but it's a form of discrimination and racism especially with blacks in fashion.

''Is there a time where you can go on the Internet and find a shoe that people want more than my shoes? Well go f**k yourself then if it isn't, and don't ask me no stupid s**t like that again. With the love.

''I designed that shoe, didn't I? I didn't see somebody else's shoes getting lined up for.''

Kanye - who also compared himself to the artist Michelangelo - also claimed he could only become a designer after becoming a millionaire and financing himself.

Speaking during ShowStudio's In Camera' live interview series, he said: ''It took me being Kanye West to get this far in fashion.''