Jay-Z has backed President Barack Obama's proposed reform of the American healthcare system.

Obama's plans have proved to be the first big hurdle of his presidency, with both Democrats and Republicans voicing caution.

Republican lawmaker Joe Wilson's heckling of Obama in Congress last week also prompted former US President Jimmy Carter to suggest much of the criticism was "based on racism".

Speaking during an appearance on the Andrew Marr show, Jay-Z said the gridlock was proof that America still had a long way to go.

“The people that are doing this are really showing themselves and showing their true colours and letting the world know that we still have a long way to go, so people don't lax on their laurels,” he said.

“There's still a fight to be had there, with all the progress that we've made.”

Jay-Z, who has become a close confidant of Obama, said every American should have healthcare.

“I think everyone should be able to take care of themselves,” he said.

"It's not socialist to think that way, I think it's more elitist to think the other way."

(by Jason Gregory)