Rapper Kanye West opens up about his close relationship with pop star Rihanna and says he is "devastated" by reports that she was allegedly abused.

In an interview with Ryan Seacrest on his 102.7 KIIS FM radio show, West says he has been friends with Rihanna for a long time and that she is like a "baby sis" to him. He also reveals that he was "completely devastated" after learning what happened to the singer shortly before he went on to perform at the Grammys.

West said his Grammy performance of "American Boy" was affected because he was so emotionally moved by news that Rihanna had to cancel her attendance at the awards ceremony due to suffering injuries.

He did not offer any comments during the interview on the investigation of R & B singer Chris Brown on suspicion of domestic violence.

The rapper goes on to say that what happened to Rihanna should not happen to anyone, whether they are famous or not. "It should never come to that place," he told Seacrest. West also spoke about how talented Rihanna is and said he thinks she has the potential "to be the greatest artist of all time."