US rapper Kanye West has paid tribute to Barack Obama's presidential victory in a message on his website.

On the rapper's blog, the words “Hi Mom, Obama Won!”, are accompanied by a picture of the successful Democrat candidate, who defeated Republican John McCain in yesterday's election.

West's message appears to allude to his mother, Donda, who passed away just under a year ago after complications arose during surgery in Los Angeles.

West was one of a host of musicians who backed Mr Obama's bid to become America's first black president.

(by Jason Gregory)