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Tuesday, 13 May 2008

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Jay-Z hits back at Glastonbury critics

Rapper says he’s looking forward to performing at the festival next month

Jay-Z will headline Glastonbury

Jay-Z has hit back at critics who questioned his headlining slot at Glastonbury – saying his set will show how music has developed.

‘We don’t play guitars, but hip-hop has put in its work like any other form of music,’ he says. ‘This headline show is just a natural progression. Rap music is still evolving.

‘From Afrika Bambaataa DJing in the Bronx and Run DMC going platinum, to Jazzy Jeff and The Fresh Prince winning the first rap Grammy, I’m just next in the line. We have to respect each other’s genre of music and move forward.’

Jay-Z, 38, who is also headlining the O2 Wireless festival, says the controversy only serves to boost his confidence.

‘I’ve never ever had a show that’s caused this much of a stir so I’m really looking forward to it,’ he tells The Sun. ‘I guess it’s heritage and people hold that dear to their heart.

‘The artists of yesterday paved the way for the artists of tomorrow and that’s just how music is. For us rappers to arrive at this point has taken years.’

Glastonbury takes place from 27-29 June.