Kanye West's year of controversy doesn't look like it will stopping anytime soon.

The American rapper is ruffling fevers once again as he was spotted wearing a green bomber jacket with a confederate flag on the sleeve.

West was leaving a boxing session when People photographed him sporting the offensive attire on Saturday (Nov 2nd).

The flag is also featured on the 37 year-old's merchandise for his 'Yeezus' tour.

The use of the symbol for the US civil war era has angered many critics, with T-shirts sold at the 'Stronger' rapper's concerts featuring the flag along with a skull and the words "I ain't comin' down."

West finally explained the reasons for using the controversial symbol in a recent interview with Los Angeles radio station 97.1 AMP.

"React how you want," he said. "Any energy is good energy. You know the Confederate flag represented slavery in a way - that's my abstract take on what I know about it. So I made the song 'New Slaves.' So I took the Confederate flag and made it my flag. It's my flag. Now what are you going to do?"

Kanye also discussed how he overcomes the negative backlash he frequently receives from media outlets and the general public, he says, "I have fear but I overcome my fear, I know how to swim through backlash. I can tread water through backlash.If anything, that's all giving me power. Negative. Positive. It's all energy. And I can use energy."

This negative "energy" may also derive from the 'Black Skinhead' rapper's over the top proposal to reality star, Kim Kardashian, or his 'Yeezus' tour which is angering fans for the late starts, delays and postponements.

Is the public demonstration of the flag a true artistic gesture or is it just another stir to attract the attention of the world's media, hoping to increase merchandise sales?

Kanye West
West has had a year filled of controversy