Rapper Kanye West has hailed his pal Jay-Z's superstar wife Beyonce Knowles as the "greatest performer of our generation".

The Stronger hitmaker has high praise for the Bootylicious beauty, but isn't afraid to boast about his own talents either - and insists he is up there with the best of today's hip-hop stars.

In a new interview with Vibe magazine, West says, "I believe Beyonce is the greatest performer of our generation.

"I believe I am the greatest entertainer of this generation. I go neck-and-neck on Jay-Z and (Lil) Wayne as far as who's the best lyricist. Jay-Z has longevity."