Carey: 'I've always been hip-hop'

Singer Mariah Carey has refuted claims her new album 'E=MC2's' hip-hop theme is a departure from her usual sound.

The star - who duetted with Irish crooners Westlife on a 2000 cover of Phil Collins ballad 'Against All Odds' - insists she's always been in touch with her hip-hop side after former Wu Tang Clan rapper Ol' Dirty Bastard guested on one of her tracks.