(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Kanye Wests new album is a calculated toe in yesterday's water, according to Q-Tip.

Kanye is due to release his fifth record, Dark Twisted Fantasy, later this year. Q-Tip has worked on it with him, and is adamant its going to be a success.

He explained the rapper was inspired by his breakthrough LP The College Dropout, which was released in 2004, when making it. He's looking forward but reaching back, which is interesting. It's a calculated toe in yesterday's water if that makes any sense at all, Q-Tip told XXL magazine.

This album is, in a good way, going backwards. He's such an artist. He knows exactly what he's doing.

Kanye released 808s & Heartbreak in 2008, but despite it being his most recent album it hasnt influenced his new sound. Q-Tip doesnt want to give too much away, but thinks people will be surprised when they finally hear the new release.

When he did with 808s & Heartbreak, that was such a departure from College Dropout, he explained. "But now he's stepping backwards so this album will be more of a sonic extension of College Dropout and Graduation but he's doing it with a new attitude.

Kanye has previously said he wrote the upcoming record when he was feeling excited and hopeful, which he thinks is reflected in it. (C) Cover Media