Jay-Z: 'J Cole is already best new artist to me'

Jay-Z has praised R&B singer J Cole and his newfound success.

The Watch the Throne star insisted that Cole, who is signed to his Roc Nation label, is more than worthy of his 'Best New Artist' nomination at the 2012 Grammy Awards.

"I think it's great for him, because I'm sure it's a dream of his," Jay-Z told MTV News.

"We grew up seeing Michael Jackson, and I'm sure he grew up seeing whatever moment stuck in his mind, so I know it's great for him to do that. I think he's already won 'Best New Artist', to me. His journey is what I'm really excited about."

Jay-Z also praised Cole's evolution since first securing his record deal, adding: "The person he is today is not who he was when he first walked in. He got a chance to really go out, see what worked, see what people connect to, figure out how he was gonna tell his story."

Cole has been confirmed to perform at MTV's New Year's Eve party alongside Selena Gomez and Jason Derulo, among others.

In January, Cole released a remix of Rihanna's hit single 'S&M'.

Watch J Cole's video for 'Work Out' below: