TIRANA, May 2 -- US rapper Kanye West will perform in the Albanian capital Tirana in July, Culture Minister Blendi Gonxhe told AFP yesterday, exulting that the country was on its way to becoming a destination for top cultural events.

The US rapper, also known as Ye, is known for glorifying Nazi leader Adolf Hitler and for antisemitic and hate-filled rants which he blames on having bipolar disorder.

Due to his controversial comments and songs, West's appearances in London and in Poland have been cancelled.

Britain said it has blocked West from entering the country, leading to the cancellation of a London music festival where he had been scheduled to perform over three nights in July.

The Polish stadium where West was due to perform on ...