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

"We were just about to lose our home/ Diamonds ate the radio." That line from "ALIENS" might not be the example he had in mind, but JAY-Z is adamant that his pal Chris Martin is one of our greatest modern lyric writers. Like, maybe THE greatest.

In a recent interview with Metro, Jigga said the Coldplay singer's native England might not realize just how big a talent his friend is, adding that he wasn't bragging on him just because they're pals. "We are good friends -- but what I got to say has nothing to do with our friendship," Jay told Metro's Guilty Pleasures column.

"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 continued. "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."

Jay and Chris go way back, of course, with the pair getting together in 2006 for the song "Beach Chair" from Jay's Kingdom Come album and Jigga returning the favor by appearing on the track "Lost+" on Coldplay's 2008 Prospekt's' March EP.

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