Kanye West took a pop at Britney Spears during an expletive-ridden deposition, claiming he is cleverer than her.

The 37-year-old rapper had a rant during the hearing in his assault case with photographer Daniel Ramos, where he dubbed himself "the smartest celebrity".

Documents obtained by TMZ reveal that the Yeezus star called himself the "smartest celebrity you've ever f***ing dealt with," before adding, "I'm not Britney Spears."

He then went on to compare the problems facing modern celebrities to the persecution of African-Americans during the civil rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s.

"I mean in the 60s people used to hold up 'Die N*****' signs when my parents were in the sit-ins... I equate it (being famous) to discrimination. I equate it to inequalities," he said.

"We, as a group of minorities here in LA, as celebrities have to ban together to influence guys like this - guys trying to take the picture, guys trying to get the big win, guys trying to get the cheque."

He also told Ramos' lawyer Nate Goldberg: "I'm in the business of trying to make dope s**t for the world. You're in the business of representing scums and trying to make as much money as long as there's this lapse in the law."

Kanye was ordered to serve 250 hours of community service and attend anger management classes after being convicted of misdemeanour battery, following his clash with the photographer at Los Angeles International Airport in July 2013. Ramos is now pursuing a civil action against the rapper.

The Stronger star previously ranted during his set at the Wireless Festival, where he told concert-goers: "I'm not particularly angry but they've taken the idea of celebrity and tried to make me seem like I'm stupid or something," he said, referring to the media.