JAY-Z RECRUITS TINCHY STRYDER FOR NEW VENTURE

Jay-Z is scouring Europe for talent to bring Stateside - and he's signed his first megadeal with U.K. rapper Tinchy Stryder.

The Big Pimpin' star has lined up Stryder to be a new business partner in his label Roc Nation's first European venture, called Takeover Roc Nation.

The deal, which Jay-Z hailed as "inspiring", will see records released via Sony Music and tickets sold through concert giant Live Nation.

And the Number 1 hitmaker is thrilled with the new contract, which the pair settled over a celebratory drink in Manchester, England.

He says, "Jay-Z is my music and business inspiration and to go into business with him is a dream come true."