Heavyweight rapper Jay-Z has revealed that he feels somewhat responsible for the delay of U2's studio album, 'Songs Of Ascent', after remarking on the band's musical standards. 

The record was originally due for a 2010 release, but was pushed back and the possibility of it being released around the time U2 begin their extensive North American tour in May is starting to look slim. In addition to this, the '99 Problems' star hopes his previous comments haven't been the reason for the hold up with their new record.  

Jay-Z explained to The Sun how his remarks affected Bono's confidence:

"One night I ran into Bono and he told me he'd read an interview I'd done," 

"The writer had asked me about a U2 record ['No Line on the Horizon'] that had just been released and I said something about the pressure a group like that must be under just to meet their own standards."

He added:

"[Bono] said the quote had really gotten to him and he decided to go back to the studio, even though the album was already done, and keep reworking it 'til he thought it was as good as it could possibly be,"

"I was surprised that at that point in his career he still got anxious about his work."

Watch Jay-Z and U2 perform 'Sunday Bloody Sunday' together here: