Jay-Z has described Coldplay frontman Chris Martin is his “brother from another mother”.

The rapper has become close friends with the star since they first worked together on his 2006 song ‘Beach Chair’ and he said they maintained regular contact.

"I see him more than my own brother," he told BBC Newsbeat. "Actually, I do!"

Jay-Z went on to describe Martin as "one of the geniuses of our generation”, adding: "Any time you can collaborate with that sort of genius, you jump at the chance, I don't care who you are."

Jay-Z and Coldplay are due to perform a special joint New Years Eve gig at the Cosmopolitan casino and resort in Las Vegas tonight (December 31).

(by Jason Gregory)