Jay-Z lists George Michael among his idols

Rap star Jay-Z has said that George Michael once had a strong influence on hip hop artists.

He also listed Beatles among his idols, in an interview to former Stone Roses frontman Ian Brown for rock magazine NME.

"Well, John Lennon, The Beatles... forget about it! And then George Michael at one time - he was really strong in the neighbourhood, he penetrated urban culture really strong," the Daily Express quoted him as saying.

"I don't know if it was just the tracks or the melodies," he added.

Jay-Z, whose real name is Shawn Carter, has received several Grammy Awards for his musical work.