Sometimes it pays to have friends in high places. For hip-hop mogul Jay-Z, getting a sneak peak into one of rock & roll’s most anticipated upcoming albums is part of being pals with Irish legends U2.

The “The Bounce” star was recently treated to a sneak listen to brand new tracks from his mate Bono, after heading to Dublin on holiday.

According to long-time U2 producer Steve Lillywhite (who produced early U2 discs Boy and October, and is working on the new LP), the latest record is due late November and “will be their best yet”.

Says Jay-Z, “I heard about four tracks. And the thing about Bono is, he’s in the studio like a kid, excited and singing the lyrics back, asking what I think. That’s passion, only passion. Trust me. He doesn’t have to do it. Music is a challenge,” says the rapper. “Don’t matter if you make seven, eight great albums. U2 are arguably one of the greatest bands ever. But if their next album is not great, people are going to say they’re finished! U2!