Jay-Z brands Glasto controversy "ridiculous"

Jay-Z has called the controversy surrounding his upcoming Glastonbury appearance "ridiculous".

The rapper, who will perform at the Pyramid Stage on June 28, told Radio 1 that the outcry showed a lack of respect for hip-hop.

He said: "It's ridiculous. If we don't embrace what is new, then how do we progress? I've never actually experienced anything like that before. It's 2008, what is that about? That's such old school thinking, that's not even how the world thinks anymore. So I was really taken aback.

"I think that hip-hop is music and an art form, it's poetry and it should be accepted and respected like any other art form. It's just coming from a different perspective."

Jay-Z added that Glastonbury should accept all forms of music.

"I listen to all types of music and that's what should happen, that's what the world should be about, mixing culture," he explained. "There's only good music and bad music."