Jay-Z: 'I want to work with Lily Allen'

Lily Allen and Jay-Z both won Brit Awards this year

US rapper Jay-Z is planning to work with Lily Allen after seeing her perform at the Brit Awards.

The mogul, who won best international male at the event, is trying to get the Smile singer to perform with him at the Wireless festival in London's Hyde Park.

Tickets for Jay-Z's summer dates go on sale at 9am today (19 February).

"I spoke to Lily Allen. I'm trying to get her for Wireless," he said. "Hopefully that goes through. I bum-rushed them in the corner where they can't say no."

The Wireless festival will take place on Friday 2 July and Sunday 4 July and will see performances from Pink, The Temper Trap and The Ting Tings.

'Over performing'

Although the New Yorker has only met Lily Allen a few times he admits he's really keen to be on the same stage as her.

"I know her for a minute," he said. "I think she's a great artist I respect her. We just haven't [collaborated] yet."

Playing live for the Jigga Man is a highlight and he does his best not to disappoint his fans who often expect him to bring out big-name guests, like his wife Beyonce.

"I've collaborated with so many artists," he said. "It's pressure because on the days when they don't come out I have to over perform. It's like, 'You better make me happy that Beyonce's not here tonight'."

But Jay-Z says even without the extra acts, people who have bought tickets for his summer shows will be in for a treat.

He said: "Lucky for you guys I'll be in mid-tour seasoned shape by the time I get over here. I'll be in tip-top shape."

Ahead of Wireless, Jay-Z will play Manchester's MEN Arena on Monday 7 June and the LG Arena in Birmingham on Wednesday 9 June.