Jay-Z hits back at Gallagher over Glasto

Jay-Z has responded to Noel Gallagher's criticisms over his headline slot at this year's Glastonbury Festival.

The Oasis lyricist claimed that Jay-Z's appearance would go against the festival's tradition of guitar music: "If it ain't broke don't fix it. If you start to break it then people aren't going to go. I'm sorry, but Jay-Z? No chance."

Jay-Z has now broken his silence on the controversy, telling The Sun that Gallagher's comments showed a lack of respect to other genres of music.

Jay-Z said: "We don't play guitars, Noel, but hip-hop has put in its work like any other form of music.

"This headline show is just a natural progression. Rap music is still evolving.

"From Afrika Bambaataa DJ-ing in the Bronx and Run DMC going platinum, to Jazzy Jeff and The Fresh Prince winning the first rap Grammy, I'm just next in the line.

"We have to respect each other’s genre of music and move forward."

Glastonbury chief Michael Eavis, Chris Martin and Usher have all jumped to Jay-Z's defence in recent weeks.