Jay-Z defends Nas album title

Hip-hop mogul Jay-Z has defended Nas' decision to name his new album 'N**ger', but insists the naming of the record is "misguided".

Jay-Z - real name Shawn Carter - is releasing the LP under his label Island Def Jam Music Group, but admits he is not fond of its title.

But Carter denies the rapper - real name Nasir Jones - is trying to provoke the media with the title.

He says: "I know he is very intelligent and there's a reason behind what he is doing. He's not just doing it for the sake of being provocative. Of course we are going to support his art.

"I hope (the concept) is coming from a great place. I believe it's coming from a great place. I just think it's misguided."

The 'Hip-Hop Is Dead' hitmaker intends to test race issues when he releases the new album on 11 December.