James Blake's Lemonade track had Blue Ivy's approval

James Blake's track for Beyonce's Lemonade album was given the seal of approval by her daughter Blue Ivy.

The British artist who counts Madonna and Kanye West among his fans, discussed working with the pop superstar in an interview to promote his new album The Colour in Anything. And his work was not only approved by Beyonce but also her four-year-old daughter Blue, who she shares with rapper husband Jay Z.

"Beyonce came to the studio, and I was sitting at the piano when I met her. She was just lovely. I came up with something to go with an idea she had; I just embellished her melody," the 27-year-old tells website Pitchfork. "Blue Ivy was there, too, which was nice. She was singing along to the song, which was a huge compliment, because kids just don't have any pretence whatsoever."

Producer, singer and songwriter Blake co-wrote Beyonce's Lemonade's opening track Pray You Catch Me and also co-wrote and sang on Forward which features images of the mothers of Eric Garner, Trayvon Martin and Michael Brown - each holding a photo of their late sons - during the film.

"I was pleasantly surprised to find that my song came in at the point that it did, and that she harmonises with me for a brief moment... I found the way it's used in the film really moving, seeing the mothers holding up pictures of their sons that have been killed via police brutality. I was honoured," he shared.

Blake was also pleasantly surprised his collaboration with the Formation singer ended up being so personal, with them working together face to face, as that rarely happens with such big artists.

"Getting to chat with her about it was really nice. I guess that's as good as it gets with somebody as brilliant as her," he said.

Now taking a leaf from the queen of surprise releases, Blake's third album The Colour In Anything was made available to stream on Thursday night (05May16). For his own work he admits to being hugely inspired by singer Frank Ocean.

Ocean is credited as a co-writer on The Colour In Anything, and Blake has been helping him write music for the ling-awaited follow-up to 2012’s Channel Orange.