Absolut sponsoring Kanye West tour

NEW YORK (Billboard) - Hip-hop star Kanye West has signed a sponsorship deal with Absolut 100 Vodka for his North American tour, which begins April 16 at Seattle's Key Arena.

Absolut will sponsor after-parties in each tour city, a statement said. The tour, which wraps May 30 at Calgary's Saddledome, will also feature Lupe Fiasco, N*E*R*D and, on most dates, Rihanna.

West won four prizes at the Grammy Awards last Sunday, but failed for a third time to take home the coveted album of the year prize thanks to a shock win by jazz veteran Herbie Hancock. Nevertheless, West's career haul stands at 10 after four years, while Hancock took 24 years to get 12.

Reuters/Billboard