Jay-Z Surprising Musical Inspiration
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Rapper Jay-Z has an unlikely hero - former Wham! star George Michael.
The Run This Town hitmaker, real name Shawn Carter, is adamant Wake Me Up Before You Go Go singer Michael is a huge influence on hip-hop artists.
In an interview conducted by former Stone Roses frontman Ian Brown for rock magazine Nme, Carter is asked to list his idols.
He says, "Well, John Lennon, The Beatles... forget about it! And then George Michael at one time - he was really strong in the neighbourhood, he penetrated urban culture really strong. I don't know if it was just the tracks or the melodies."
