Kanye West has backed Idris Elba to be the next James Bond.

The 37-year-old rapper believes the 'Luther' actor is a ''visionary'', and should definitely be offered the role as the iconic secret agent when current actor Daniel Craig steps down from the character.

He said: ''I know Idris a little bit and he is a big talent.

''The movies he has been making are special, and when the role for James Bond comes up it needs to be his.

''James Bond is a role made for British actors and you won't find a British actor who has the talent of Idris.

''To be honest you won't find many anywhere who have his talent.''

The 'Bound 2' rapper - who has 18-month-old daughter North West with his wife Kim Kardashian West - went on to say he feels the time is right to have a black actor portraying the character.

He explained to The Sun newspaper: ''Artists should be visionaries. A black James Bond would be visionary no doubt.

''Something that 30 years ago would have seemed crazy should now be something that is a real possibility.''

Rumours the 42-year-old 'Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom' actor was being lined up for the role emerged when Sony co-chairperson Amy Pascal was revealed to have said ''Idris should be the next Bond'' to the former executive vice-president of Bond distributor Columbia, in an email which has since been leaked.

Responding to the online stir the message has caused, Idris posted a goofy selfie on Twitter on Saturday (27.12.14) joking he is not attractive enough to play the British spy.

He quipped: ''Isn't 007 supposed to handsome? Glad you think I've got a shot! Happy New year people.''

However, those hoping to see the actor take on the character soon may be disappointed, as Daniel Craig has not yet shown any wish to relinquish the role following his appearance in 'Casino Royale', 'Quantum of Solace' and 'Skyfall' and is currently filming the franchise's 24th film, 'Spectre'.