Jay-Z calls West his brother

LOS ANGELES, Aug. 3 (UPI) -- U.S. rapper Jay-Z confirmed rumors claiming he and Kanye West don't always get along, but he insisted he still regards the recording artist as his brother.

Although the pair recently collaborated on the CD "Watch the Throne" and are planning a concert tour to support it, some media reports have said there is tension between the two because of differing visions for their joint project.

The Hollywood Reporter said Jay-Z addressed the buzz during an interview this week with radio station Hot 97 in New York.

"Kanye's my brother," Jay-Z said. "Yes, we get on each other's nerves. That's part of pushing each other. ... People don't like to be pushed. It's annoying. ... So, of course, there are times when we're in the studio, we're yelling, but that's about it."