Jay-Z to be dropped by his own label?

Jay-Z is facing being dropped from his own record label because of his "excessive" payment demands, according to reports.

The bosses of Def Jam - an affiliate of Universal - are considering dropping the rapper, real name Shawn Carter, after discussions about extending his contract with Universal stalled.

A source told the New York Daily News: "People have lost count of how many times he's come out of retirement.

"Everybody knows he's not around the office much. Everybody at Universal loves him, but they can't justify paying him the money he wants when so many people have been laid off."

Jay-Z, whose contract expires at the end of this month, had reportedly wanted to step down as president of Def Jam Records after Jermaine Dupri was made president of Universal's urban music division earlier this year.

The hip-hop star was said to be unhappy with the decision and wanted to switch to the Columbia label.

His latest LP American Gangster topped the US album chart last month.