The rapper made the statement after posting a picture of the pair working in the studio together.

The image shows the pair standing at the production desk – West on a keyboard and Bieber on a laptop – under the heading: “My new beat protege.”

The rapper did not elaborate on what they were recording, but Bieber's manager revealed recently that the rapper-producer had been helping the star with his new album.

West also remixed the 16-year-old's hit 'Runaway Love' last year alongside Wu Tang rapper Raekwon.

The remix, is included on Bieber's album, 'Never Say Never – The Remixes', which was released earlier this month.

(by Jason Gregory)