Jay-Z fantastic at forty

Dec 29, 2009, 6:02 GMT

Jay-Z feels "fantastic" since turning 40.

The '99 Problems' rapper - whose latest 'Blueprint 3' album topped the US charts, giving him more number one LPs than any other solo artist - reaches the landmark age last December and insists he is happy with it because his career is going so well.

He said: "I feel fantastic about turning 40, I'm in a great place, got a fantastic album, my eleventh number one which beats Elvis, so I'm feeling like the king of pop."

Despite his massive success, the star - who is married to Beyonce Knowles - insists he manages to stay grounded, thanks to the attitudes of his family.

He added: "When people get success, the often start getting rid of their immediate circle who knew them to surround themselves with yes men and women and they get lost.I have great friends around to keep me grounded, fame is a drug and your feet can get lifted off the ground but I try to stay centred and whenever I start getting big headed, they stop me.

"My sisters act like I work for them, which is great but I pretty much keep myself in check."

Jay-Z - whose real name is Shawn Carter - also admitted he refuses to let his fame get in the way of leading a normal life.

He said: "When you live your life in the spotlight people tend to think our success or who you are is not a real thing, I like people to know I am a real person. I just happen to have a talent for making music and a work ethic to match it.

"I try to approach everyday life - no matter what happens, whether there are 100 photographers or not - as normal. I still go out to eat and eat outside at places, no problem. Sometimes I snap but for the most part I'm cool with it, as long as people don't invade your personal space I understand it comes with the business, it's not a big bother."