Kim Kardashian, Kanye West Relationship Hurting Rapper's Career (REPORT)

Kim Kardashian and Kanye West are pretty smitten with each other, but can love conquer all?

One of the reasons the couple's relationship works so well is due to the fact they are both (almost) equally famous and successful in their own right. But as the 32-year-old reality star continues to churn out more TV shows, clothing lines and the startings of an actual film career, West's popularity is waning, according to The New York Daily News.

Sources tell the paper it's the rapper's relationship with Kardashian that has "tainted" his image, claiming that too many appearances on "Keeping Up with the Kardashians" and constant coverage in the tabloids and gossip blogs are devaluing his brand.

“His personal life is overpowering his music. Every time he plays, people are wondering if Kim is going to be there. It’s not a good thing for him, especially if he wants to be taken seriously," an industry source told the NYDN, adding that West's association with the reality star is also affecting his income.

According to one ticket broker, sales for the rapper's upcoming show at Revel in Atlantic City aren't anywhere near close to being sold out, and concert-goers revealed that a "massive portion" of the audience walked out during his performance at the 12/12/12 Hurricane Sandy benefit concert, to collectively diss the leather kilt he wore that night.

Sources claim that West isn't happy with the direction things have been going, and he's taking meetings with top-level industry executives on how to make his next move.

But despite reports that West's career is taking a nose dive, it's important to remember that he's had a pretty good year. West placed 45th on Forbes’ 2012 list of the Most Powerful Celebrities, pulling in an estimated $35 million -- and those six Grammy 2013 nominations don't hurt either.