Kanye West credits a trip to the dentist for his ego-driven attitude

The rapper's attitude changed following an out-of-body oral exam

Some Kanye West fans will apparently pay thousands for a bag containing air from his gigs (Getty Images)

Kanye West is, above all things, the proud beneficiary of a nigh-on impenetrable ego.

He cares not what you think of his music, what you make of his “celebrity” family or his attempts to compete in the world of fashion.

Why? Because he once had a hit of gas at the dentist and it changed his perception of life forever.

Speaking to Paper magazine (yes, the same publication that printed that Kim Kardashian cover), he said: “One time I was at the dentist's office and I was given nitrous gas and I was vibing out - I guess that's my version of Steve Jobs and his LSD trip - when I had this first thought: What is the meaning of life? And then I thought, To give. What's the key to happiness? Happiness. What do you want in life? When you give someone something, should they give you something in return? No.

“We don't have to expect to be compensated by the person we give to. Just give. I'm a Christian so I'll speak in Christian terms: God will give you tenfold. Then I said in my mind - I'm still under the gas and getting my teeth cleaned - But I just want to be remembered. And I immediately corrected myself. I said, It doesn't even matter if I'm remembered. I came out of the gas and had a completely new attitude on everything.”

And for any of those still questioning whether the Time 100 Most Influential cover star is a member of the Illuminati or not, allow him to enlighten you.

“I heard a comment - a joke - about the TIDAL press conference being an Illuminati moment. If there was actually an Illuminati, it would be more like the energy companies,” he said.

“Not celebrities that gave their life to music and who are pinpointed as decoys for people who really run the world. I'm tired of people pinpointing musicians as the Illuminati. That's ridiculous.

“We don't run anything; we're celebrities. We're the face of brands. We have to compromise what we say in lyrics so we don't lose money on a contract.”

Paper is out now.