(Photo: Wire Image) According to fashion designer Alexis Phifer, rapper Kanye West‘s fiancee of nearly 2 years, the engagement is off.

“It’s always sad when things like this end, and we remain friends,” Phifer told People.com. “I wish him the best in his future and all of his endeavors. He’s one of the most talented people I’ve ever met.”

Alexis was reportedly was spotted on the red carpet without her engagement ring at an “Evenings in Vogue” event on this past Thursday night (Apr. 17th) in New York, where her clothing line, Ghita, was featured.

“They’d been having problems,” a friend of Kanye’s revealed. “Kanye is really focused on his show; he’s putting everything into the show right now. Alexis is a nice girl, but Kanye has been going through a rough time. They hit a rough patch and for now they’ve split. I haven’t seen [Alexis] around at all the last few times I’ve seen him recently.”

Kanye’s rep hasn’t responded to this story as of yet.

If you recently read reports from MTV UK, then you’re probably under the impression that rapper Kanye West and his fiancee Alexis Phifer secretly tied the knot in Paris last month. West, who proposed to Phifer during an Italian vacation in 2006, was said to have exchanged vows with the designer while vacationing in Europe in February 2008. However, a representative for the hip-hop superstar insists the marriage reports are “untrue”.

[ SOURCE ]

In other Kanye news, a video for Homecoming, the latest single from his multi-platinum album, Graduation, will be released soon! He posted caps from the video on his blog last week.

JAY-Z & BEYONCE

FYI: This list is in no particular order…

2007 is coming to a close, and we here at Think2wice thought it would be the perfect time to highlight some of the greatest moments, people, etc. of the past year! First up, is “Favorite Couples.” And you guessed it, Jay-Z and Beyonce are perched at the top of this list! These two cause a stir in the gossip blogs whenever their names are mentioned. It’s gotten to the point where we’ve given them one name … Jayonce. Despite both of their busy schedules, Jayonce still finds the time to spend time with each other, whether it be a sporting event, a week-long vacation, or just having dinner at one of NYC’s top restaurants. Recently, rumors sparked of the two being married after people spotted matching tattoos on their ring fingers (IV – “FOURever” ??), but those rumors were immediately shot down by one of Jay-Z’s reps. Who knows … they probably are married! Hell, didn’t Janet keep her marriage to that guy from the public for like 10 or more years? Anyhow, hate it or love it, Beyonce and Jay-Z are with each other for the long run, as long as they keep their relationship as private as it has been for the past 4 years.

T.I. & TINY

A “Favorite Couples” post could not exist without the presence of Clifford and Tameka. Oh, excuse me … T.I. and Tiny. These two have been off and on for some time now, and a lot of folks like seeing them together. They have a son together, and are rumored to have another one on the way. Earlier in the year, Tameka lost their would-be second child due to an unfortunate miscarriage. Ironically, a few days before this, the two were reported to have separated, but a week or so later … were back together again. No one knows if or when they will get married, but we all know that they genuinely love each other. Tiny even got arrested with her man! Now if that’s not a “ride or die chick” I don’t know what is. Sadly, we may not see these two together for the next few years. T.I. is currently on house arrest, and it looks like he’ll be getting at least 5 years in a Federal prison on weapons charges. But that’s only speculation. Only time will tell what the future holds for T.I. & Tiny.

NELLY & ASHANTI

I don’t know if they are in denial, don’t want us to know about them, or really are “just friends,” but Nelly and Ashanti sure do spend a lot of time together. Their whereabouts aren’t publicized like the afore mentioned, but never-the-less, these two make a great couple. There are (old) rumors circulating that their relationship is nothing more than a big ol’ publicity stunt, but you know out-of-hand some rumors get. There have been a few occasions where the two have been spotted out and about with each other on vacation, shopping at a jewelry store, hanging out in Beverly Hills, and even a few parties/random events. No one is sure when they’ll announce their relationship, but then again, Jay-Z and Beyonce never did. It’s just something everyone “knew” after a while. And so far, no one “knows 100%” whether Ashanti and Nelly are dating. But they are pretty close =)

Damn! Just about everybody and their mama (shout-outs to Donda West) turned out for Kanye West’s 30th birthday bash at the Louis Vuitton store in New York! Check out all the pics from the red carpet. Inside photos coming in a bit! Check back…