JAY-Z Calls Chris Martin 'Modern Day Shakespeare'

Fresh off the release of his critically-lauded 13th studio album 4:44, JAY-Z delivers his own high praise for another musician: Coldplay’s Chris Martin.

During a recent interview with Guilty Pleasures, the Roc Nation boss said his longtime friend is a bonafide genius. “We are good friends — but what I got to say has nothing to do with our friendship,” he said (via Metro). “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.

“In years to come,” he added, “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-Z and Martin have collaborated on “Beach Chair,” a mellow cut off Hov’s Kingdom Come LP, and “Lost+,” a remix to “Lost!” off Coldplay’s Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends.

Up next, Jigga is set to embark on the “4:44 Tour,” which kicks off Oct. 27 in Anaheim. The North American jaunt is scheduled to conclude Dec. 21 in Los Angeles.