Kanye West has gone where no artist has been before with a monumental 34-minute music video that some are hailing as a new art form, while others see it as just one more bit of self-indulgence from the ego-centric rap star.

West is known to have a high opinion of himself but there’s no denying that his more than healthy ego is responsible for some pretty amazing music.

The video heralds the arrival of his latest album, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, which will be released Nov 22, and is available now on pre-order from Amazon.com. The album retails for $13.98, but you can save 14 percent by ordering it through TheImproper. Click the link at left.

Lady Gaga turned a few heads when she released a nine-minute music video that featured a collaboration with Beyonce.

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West relies on a sultry underwear model Selita Ebanks to hold viewers’ attention.

The former Victoria’s Secret model romps near naked throughout the video, wearing not much more than feathers and underwear.

West directs and also stars with Banks, and the video opens when a comet hit Kanye’s Lamborghini. The comet, though, is a beautiful injured phoenix, played by Selita, who emerges from the wreck.

The video includes all kinds of music references and imagery. Artists like Michael Jackson, Madonna and Lady Gaga are tipped. Is it a homage, or does West suggest he belongs in their ranks?

An over-sized King of Pop float appears with fireworks and a marching band with a sample from “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’.”

In one scene, Selita asks: “All of the statues that we see, where do you think they came from?”

“I think artists carved them years and years ago,” he replies.

“No, they are Phoenix turned to stone,” she says.

The Phoenix says she must burn to be reborn. Kanye has a tough decision to make.

The video premiered last night on MTV, VH1 and BET. Check it out here and see if it sets you on fire, or turns you to stone.