Snoop Dogg: 'Miley Cyrus duet is bold and courageous'

Miley Cyrus has won high praise from unlikely collaborator Snoop Dogg, with the rapper urging music fans to appreciate the young star's talents.

The Drop It Like It's Hot hitmaker, who has relaunched himself as a reggae star under the moniker Snoop Lion, has teamed up with the former Hannah Montana star on her upcoming urban-focused album.

The hip-hop icon was impressed with 20-year-old Cyrus during the recording of their track Ashtrays and Heartbreaks, and he is adamant she will silence her critics with her upcoming material.

He tells MTV.Com, "She loves what I do and I really love what she does, so for us to come together, it's bold and courageous.

"People just expect so much from her because they've been watching her her whole life, from being a kid. She's just ready to be a grown up and express herself, and I support it.

"We're both going through transformation, we both love making music and doing what we do and speaking from our hearts, and it's just a great collaboration."

Cyrus' new album also features collaborations with Pharrell Williams, controversial rapper Tyler, the Creator of Odd Future, and producers Da Internz.