Kanye West's mother dies aged 58

Hip hop superstar Kanye West was beyond consolation today - after the shocking death of his mother.

Donda West, an intellectual who became her son' manager, died in hospital in Los Angeles. She was just 58.

A cause of death was last night (Sun) not released, but rumours were spreading U.S. websites that she died due to complications during surgery.

"The family respectfully asks for privacy during this time of grief," said a spokesman.

Donda's death was extra devastating for Kanye because he had such a strong bond with her, often taking her along to award shows.

Kanye, 30, often spoke of his close relationship with his mother, who raised him alone after her husband left when Kanye was 3.

She was the inspiration for the song, "Hey Mama," on Kanye West's 2005 album "Late Registration".

"Hey Mama, I wanna scream so loud for you, cuz I'm so proud of you," he sang. "I appreciate what you allowed for me. I just want you to be proud of me."

Donda West in return defended her son against critics who attacked him and his lyrics.

"I support my baby," she said once. "He is telling how he feels and he is speaking the truth as he sees it."

In May, she published the book "Raising Kanye: Life Lessons from the Mother of a Hip-Hop Star," in which she paid homage to her famous son.

Donda West served as chief executive of West Brands LLC, the parent company of her son's business enterprises, and as chairwoman of the Kanye West Foundation, an educational nonprofit that works to
decrease dropout rates and improve literacy.

Donda West had worked in higher education for 31 years, chairing the English department of the Chicago State University, but left to manage her son's career,

Kanye West's writing partner Rhymefest lamented Donda West's death Sunday in an appearance on Chicago radio station WCGI.

"She was everyone's mom," Rhymefest said. "A spirit never dies, a spirit lasts forever."