Key Mentor Jay-z

Key Mentor Jay-z

Jay-Z gives "key" advice.

The music mogul has become a mentor to British rapper Tinchy Stryder and the 23-year-old star admits that although the '99 Problems' singer doesn't always have a lot to say, his words of wisdom are always essential listening.

Tinchy said: "I finally met Jay-Z in his dressing room in Manchester in June. His people wanted us to meet for ages before then but we kept missing each other.

"Later we had a drink. He said, 'People always say they can handle it at the start. You have to pace yourself.' He wasn't referring to the drink but to success.

"He says key things, he is not someone who speaks for the sake of it."

Tinchy has also been listening to the advice of fellow London-based star Dizzee Rascal, who advised him to channel his emotions into his music.

He added: "My new album is about what's been on my mind and all the things I went through since I've been successful this last year.

"I can't complain because it's been fun but I feel separate from my social life, family and friends because I am so busy. Often I feel lonely in a crowd.

"I was speaking to Dizzee about it and he said the trick is to translate these feelings into music. When you write it down or record the music you feel much better."