Jay-Z: Coldplay's Chris Martin like a 'brother'

Page last updated at 08:10 GMT, Thursday, 30 December 2010

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By Natalie Jamieson
Newsbeat entertainment reporter Jay-Z

It's traditional to spend New Year with friends and family and Jay-Z gets to do both this year - and gets paid for it - by performing in Las Vegas with Coldplay.

The US rapper has told Newsbeat that Coldplay's Chris Martin is his "brother from another mother," and admits he sees him as often as possible.

"I see him more than my own brother," he admitted. "Actually, I do!"

Coldplay and Jay Z will play separate gigs, plus a joint performance, on 31 December at the new Cosmopolitan casino and resort in Las Vegas.

The luxury complex is rumoured to have cost £2.5bn and only opened a few weeks ago with an ceremony that featured Killers frontman Brandon Flowers.

I see him more than my own brother. Actually I do!

Jay-Z on Chris Martin

The invitation-only New Year's event is sold out, and while Jay-Z admits the show is expensive he also says it'll be relatively intimate.

The lucky few in the audience will no doubt be keen to see Jay-Z and Chris Martin perform a track or two together. Luckily the pair have history.

In 2006 they collaborated on the rapper's track Beach Chair, and again in 2008 for the Coldplay song Lost.

They have also performed live together several times - in London, at the 2009 Grammy Awards, and at a gig to open the New York Yankees' stadium in September.

Coldplay 'genius'

The hip hop mogul is also upbeat about the chances of recording a new collaboration with Chris Martin: "If he'll allow me", he told Newsbeat.