Narcissism

So is Kanye a narcissist?

Psychology today outlines the major factors of narcissism (These are official Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) requirements to be diagnosed as a narcissist:

1. Has a grandiose sense of self-importance. 
Kanye definitely tick this box as he frequently lauds himself with praise both in his music and in the media. 

"I still think I am the greatest."
"I am the number one human being in music. That means any person that's living or breathing is number two." 2. Is preoccupied with fantasies of unlimited success, power, brilliance, beauty, or ideal love. 
"Giving up for me is way harder than trying" 
"I don't even listen to rap. My apartment is too nice to listen to rap in."
"I feel like I'm too busy writing history to read it."


I would say that Kanye ticks this one too. See above.

3. Believes that he or she is "special" and unique and can only be understood by, or should associate with, other special or high-status people (or institutions). 

Going on stage and saying a Grammy should have gone to Beyonce rather than Taylor Swift. (evaluating the importance of his own opinion)
His child's name is Saint West.
Did Ye' want to name his kid after his very own godly/saintly success, or is he just celebrating the glorious-ness that is having a child?
I think it is probably a combination of both, as Kanye doesn't tick ALL the boxes on this list and probably isn't 100% narcissist.

4. Requires excessive admiration [regularly fishes for compliments, and is highly susceptible to flattery]. 
He has even been quoted saying that an awards show loses its credibility if he doesn't win an award.

5. Has a sense of entitlement. 
same as above.

6. Is inter-personally exploitative. 
No, as far as the media has communicated, Kanye does not tick this box. He does respect his mentors (such as Jay Z) and appreciates their help. He has been known to collaborate with artists to help them out.

7. Lacks empathy: is unwilling [or, I would add, unable] to recognize or identify with the feelings and needs of others. 
No, see above. Helped artists. Has some empowering quotes. 
HOWEVER, “[AIDS is] a man-made disease. [It was] placed in Africa just like crack was placed in the black community to break up the Black Panthers.”

8. Is often envious of others or believes that others are envious of him or her. 
No clear evidence. He likens his resistance to haters and critics as the indifference of a robot. 9. Shows arrogant, haughty [rude and abusive] behaviors or attitudes.
Yes. Just yes.


Conclusion:
Kanye is not a narcissist. He just likes attention.