Jay-Z: 'Winehouse sparked London scene'

Jay-Z has said that Amy Winehouse is responsible for leading a wave of new music coming out of London.

The rapper also told BBC Newsbeat that he hoped Lily Allen, another female capital-dweller, could join the bill for his London gig on July 4.

Jay-Z said: "There's a strong push coming out of London right now which is great. It's been coming ever since I guess Amy.

"I mean always, but I think Amy, this resurgence was ushered in by Amy, that's how I see it. [I'm] just praying she doesn't turn into Lauryn Hill and we never get another album."

When asked if he would be interested in signing fellow Brits attendee Cheryl Cole to his Roc Nation brand, he added: "Cheryl Cole, I saw her [at the Brits] last night. She's had a big production. I don't know, I have no idea but we'll figure it out soon though."