Jay-Z Defends "Super-Passionate" Kanye: "He Didn't Kill Anybody"

Jay-Z doesn't think Kanye West is a "jackass" — just "super-passionate."
The rapper defended his protégé on BBC Radio for ambushing Taylor Swift at Sunday's Video Music Awards and says the whole situation has been blown out of proportion.

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"Of course it was rude, because it was her moment, but that's the way he really felt," Jay-Z said. "I think it was rude, but the way they're treating him... He's on the cover of every paper. He didn't kill anybody. No one got harmed."

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While West's actions were "inappropriate at the time," Jay-Z says he is not surprised by the outburst — in which West declared that Jay-Z's wife, Beyonce, has the best video of all time — since his pal is "just a super-passionate person." "[I told him] I think it was rude, [and] that he has to watch his passion. At the end of the day, we're gonna celebrate him for his passion more than vilify him," Jay-Z said. "As he grows and matures, he has to balance that."

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West has since personally apologized to Swift, who accepted his apology, meaning it's time for everyone to move on, Jay-Z said."I don't think he should lay low," he said, referring to West's announcement on The Jay Leno Show to take a break. "I think he should move on and have a brilliant career."