Jay-Z says wife Beyonce isn't pregnant with second child

NEW YORK, May 21 (UPI) -- U.S. hip-hop mogul Jay-Z says his wife Beyonce is not pregnant with their second child, despite persistent rumors claiming she is.

"The pregnancy rumor is false," UsMagazine.com reported the rapper told New York's Hot 97 radio station via email.

"I hit him to say congratulations, send my love to the fam," program director Ebro Darden said, noting Jay-Z replied and set him straight, insisting, "It's not true."

The baby buzz started when Beyonce said in a recent television interview she wants her 15-month-old daughter Blue Ivy to have siblings.

The rumor gained more traction after the pop star was photographed wearing clothing that camouflaged her mid-section, then canceled a concert due to exhaustion and dehydration.