AceShowbiz -

Jay-Z is a huge fan of Chris Martin. While the two are good friends, the music mogul has revealed that he admires the Coldplay frontman professionally. In a recent interview with Metro, Jigga gushed over his pal, calling him a music genius and even comparing him to one of the greatest playwrights in the world, William Shakespeare.

"We are good friends--but what I got to say has nothing to do with our friendship," the husband of Beyonce Knowles said. "I have been in the industry long enough to know when I'm in the presence of a genius...and Chris Martin is just that."

"In years to come, Britain will look back at him as a modern day Shakespeare," he continued. "He is an incredible recording artist, and incredible songwriter, but where he really comes alive is performing live. If you get the chance to see Coldplay live, do it--you ain't gonna regret it."

The rapper and the English singer have teamed up for several tracks. In 2006, they collaborated on "Beach Chair" off Jigga's "Kingdom Come". Returning the favor, the Roc Nation boss lent his voice on "Lost!" off Coldplay's "Prospekts March [EP]". Additionally, Jigga's daughter Blue Ivy appeared on the group's 2015 album "A Head Full of Dreams".