Kanye West and Alexis Phifer split

Kanye West and his fiancee Alexis Phifer have split, Phifer confirms to PEOPLE exclusively.

"It's always sad when things like this end, and we remain friends,” Phifer tells PEOPLE. "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."

They'd been having problems," a pal of West's says. "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."

According to the friend, Phifer and West, both 30, had been spending less time together in the last few weeks as the Grammy-winning star prepared for his nationwide "Glow in the Dark" tour. "I haven't seen [Alexis] around at all the last few times I’ve seen him recently," the friend added.

The couple, who have dated on and off since 2002, got engaged over a lobster and pasta dinner during a vacation on the island of Capri in August 2006.

Story via People

Sources close to the Grammy-Award winning rapper previously told Us that he would tie the knot with Phifer to honor his late mother Donda’s wishes that they make their relationship official.

Quote vis US Mag

Remember on Kanye's first album Late Registration he rapped that he promised Mr Rainey he would marry his daughter? She was seen in the "Through the Wire" video, was a DELTA, and a Chicagoan. He then broke up with her and got engaged to Alexis.... apparently this man don't keep relationship promises. Thats not new with men...