Kanye West hits SXSW on Saturday

Kanye West made a surprise appearance at the South By Southwest festival on Saturday (21.03.09).

The 'Stronger' rapper, who was strongly rumoured to appear, performed as part of a party sponsored by Fader Magazine and Levi's to help showcase talent from his G.O.O.D. Music record label.

Kanye - who streamed the concert online - told the crowd in Texas: "It feels so good to rock for you tonight."

The show included a string of guest appearances from stars including rappers Consequence, Common and Kid Cudi and R and B star Erykah Badu and Kanye - who played several songs from his first album, 2004's 'College Dropout' - closed the performance by inviting all the artists on his record label to join him onstage for a rendition of 'Love Lockdown'.

Kanye made a second surprise appearance at gossip blogger Perez Hilton's party, performing five songs in place of British star Lady Sovereign, who cancelled due to sickness.

The female-dominated line-up at the party, which took place in a disused grocery store, also included Ladyhawke, Solange Knowles and Little Boots.

Perez said: "Tonight is all about the ladies. I hand-picked everyone this year - they're only people I love and support."