Jay-Z calls Chris Martin 'a modern-day Shakespeare'

'I have been in the industry long enough to know when I’m in the presence of a genius and Chris Martin is just that'

Chris Martin and Jay-Z performing together in New York in 2012 (Getty)

Jay-Z has said Chris Martin from Coldplay should be regarded as a “modern-day Shakespeare”.

The rapper, who dropped his latest album 4:44 in July, praised his friend and described him as a “genius”.

“I have been in the industry long enough to know when I’m in the presence of a genius and Chris Martin is just that,” he told Metro.

“In years to come, Britain will look back at him as a modern day Shakespeare. He is an incredible recording artist, an incredible songwriter, but where he really comes alive is performing live. If you get the chance to see Coldplay live, do it – you ain’t gonna regret it.”

The two artists' friendship is well documented but the rapper said his praise for Martin was "nothing to do with our friendship".

They have previously collaborated on Beach Chair from Jay-Z’s 2006 album Kingdom Come.

The duo also headlined a New Year’s eve show in New York in 2012. Jay-Z rapped on Coldplay’s Lost+, from their Prospekt’s March EP.

Jay-Z was recently in the headlines for releasing two new bonus tracks from 4:44, with a guest spot from his daughter Blue Ivy. James Blake also features on one of the songs, released on Tidal.

In the new album he has also opened up about "risking" his marriage with Beyonce after reports of his infidelity.

In a video for his new album’s title track, he said: "I just ran into this place and we built this big, beautiful mansion of a relationship that wasn't totally built on the 100 per cent truth and it starts cracking. Things started happening that the public can see."

"Then we had to get to a point of 'OK, tear this down and let's start from the beginning... it's the hardest thing I've ever done."