U.K. Festival Defends Jay-Z Headline Despite Low Ticket Sales

After much controversy surrounding the billing, rapper Jay-Z is defending his headline slot at popular English music festival Glastonbury this June. The Hip-Hop mogul is being blamed by some for slow ticket sales for the festival, which traditionally has a rock line-up.

Last month, Oasis rocker Noel Gallagher criticised Jay-Z's appearance at Glastonbury, saying, "I’m not having hip-hop at Glastonbury. It’s wrong."

The rap star has responded, saying "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.

"We just have to respect each other’s genre of music and move forward." Jay, born Shawn Carter, admits to being thrilled by the buzz surrounding the show.

"I’ve never ever had a show that’s caused this much of a stir so I’m really looking forward to it. I’ve never been involved in anything this controversial. What’s the big deal about doing a show?" he said.

"I guess it’s heritage and people hold that dear to their heart and see it one way but that’s how the world is. The world has to change. It just can’t be one thing - and that’s the beautiful thing. That’s why people feel so passionate about an event."