Kanye West hails David Bowie as important inspiration

LONDON — Kanye West has hailed David Bowie as one of his "most important inspirations" in a tribute to the singer on Twitter.

He says Bowie was "so fearless, so creative, he gave us magic for a lifetime."

READ: Rock icon Davie Bowie dies at 69

British rocker Billy Idol also took to Twitter to describe his loss, saying he was "nearly brought to tears" by the sudden news of Bowie's passing, adding "RIP."

Bowie's representative Steve Martin says the singer died "peacefully" Sunday surrounded by family after an 18-month battle with cancer.

David Cameron says Bowie's death is "a huge loss."

The British Prime Minister tweeted Monday that he had grown up listening to and watching Bowie.

He called the singer a "master of reinvention" and a pop genius who kept on getting it right.

Bowie's representative Steve Martin says the singer died "peacefully" Sunday surrounded by family after an 18-month battle with cancer.