(Cover) - EN Music - Jay-Z is two songs into his next solo album, he has revealed.

The rapper has been working on a collaborative album entitled Watch the Throne with fellow hip-hop star and producer Kanye West for a little over a year. The record was so moving to Jay-Z, he decided to funnel some of those creative juices into his own solo release.

"I know exactly the tone and the whole feel of [my next] album," Jay-Z said at an exclusive listening session for Watch the Throne held in New York City on Thursday. "I think when you experience creativity, you should get it out as much as possible."

Jay-Z's creativity has been "out" in full force in 2011. He has spent most of his energy on collaborative efforts and promoting newly signed artists on his Roc Nation label like J. Cole and Jay Electronica.

The star will not let his own ambitions impede the successes of artists on his label. He wants everyone to win, so he will not allow his solo album to shadow the quality of work that his new signees have produced.

"I don't play that. We're all competing for the same mind share," said Jay-Z. "J. Cole and Jay Electronica are both making inspiring music."

Watch the Throne is rumoured to be released in early August, but the official date is unconfirmed. Jay-Z's new solo album, which will hopefully be released next year. (C) Cover Media