Elton John - Sir Elton John Praises Jay-jay Z For Support Over Same Sex Marriage

Jay Z hit headlines in May (12) when he became one of the biggest hip-hop stars to endorse U.S. President Barack Obama's stance on the legalisation of gay unions, admitting, "What people do in their own homes is their business... It's no different than discriminating against blacks. It's discrimination plain and simple."

Hearing the words from the Empire State of Mind hitmaker himself was music to Elton's ears and he has praised the rap icon for taking a stand.

The openly gay singer tells America's Msnbc, "Jay Z, who's probably the most respected African-American artist, came out and said not only is it wrong to not have gay marriage, but any discrimination in life is wrong. It was an incredibly moving statement. I phoned him up in England and said, 'You have no idea what you've just said, how powerful this is.'

"The African-American society were a little apprehensive about this all along, and when you get someone who is a role model like Jay Z to come out and say this... I take my hat off to him and I respect him so much for doing that."

And Elton has vowed to show Jay Z just how much he appreciates his support the next time the pair crosses paths: "When I next see him I'm going to give him the biggest hug."