Kanye West receives an honorary doctoral degree in Chicago

NEW YORK: Rapper Kanye West has become the recipient of an advanced college degree after officials at the school of the Art Institute Of Chicago (Saic) in Illinois awarded him an honorary doctorate.

The 37-year-old Chicago native quit school to pursue a career in hip-hop and even named his debut album The College Dropout to acknowledge the fact, reported the New York Daily News.

Wearing a traditional cap and gown, West gave a brief speech to his fellow graduates after he was handed the honorary diploma.

"You don't have to defend me as much. And I'm going to make all of our lives easier. Whether it's the co-sign of Paul MCCartney grabbing me and saying, 'It's OK, he doesn't bite white people', or the New York Times cover. Or the Time 'Most Influential' cover. And now, a doctorate at the Art Institute of Chicago...," he said.

The father of one joins an impressive list of artists who have received honorary doctorates from SAIC. They include Patti Smith, artist Jeff Koons and writer David Sedaris.