Ed Sheeran Opens Up About Jay-Z’s Rejection of ‘Shape of You’ Verse

Ed Sheeran is one of the top artists of our time. With his catchy melodies and heartfelt lyrics, you can’t help but love the artist.

His smash hit “Shape of You” has become a staple of popular music since its release in 2017. It will amaze you that Sheeran reached out to an iconic hip-hop artist to feature in the hit single and got turned down.

Recently in an interview with Rolling Stone, the pop singer recalled he had initially asked for a collaboration with rap star Jay-Z on the hit single, and he declined.

He told the channel that he and Jay-Z had been in touch, so he sent him the song. “I sent him the song, and he said, ‘I don’t think the song needs a rap verse.’

Sheeran said that he thinks Jay was right to have declined the collaboration as he praised the rapper saying, He was probably right.” “He usually gets things right.”

Ed Sheeran tells @RollingStone that he wanted Jay-Z to be on “Shape Of You”:

“I sent him the song, and he said, ‘I don’t think the song needs a rap verse.’” pic.twitter.com/Yc78TOaR3u

— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) March 28, 2023

Rest assured; there is no bad blood between both artists. Sheeran explained, “It was a very natural, respectful pass.”  

The shape of You was the lead track on his album “Divide,” which was Sheeran’s third studio album.

The hit song was on Billboard Hot 100’s top spot for about 12 weeks and landed a Grammy for best pop solo performance.

The Importance of Collaboration in Songwriting

Sheeran’s story highlights the importance of collaboration in songwriting. Even the most successful artists need feedback and constructive criticism to create their best work.

Come to think of it, I’m sure you have listened to the track “Shape of You” by Ed Sheeran, and you will also agree with Jay-Z that the song didn’t need a rap verse. 

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It probably may not have been as great a song as it is now, not because the artist isn’t great but because the collaboration wouldn’t have been good for the song’s genre. 

#EdSheeran wanted #JayZ on #ShapeOfYou: “I sent him the song, and he said, ‘I don’t think the song needs a rap verse. He was probably right. He’s got a very, very good ear. He usually gets things right. It was a very natural, respectful pass”💛 @EdSheeranhttps://t.co/4K7i50C7Bb pic.twitter.com/PIzcnNMzuN

— World Music Awards (@WORLDMUSICAWARD) March 29, 2023

And Sheeran shares a different opinion regarding music genres. He believes there are only town types of music, good and bad. He also questions the idea of deciding which music to listen to based on reviews from music critics.

In a statement, while having the interview with Rolling Stone, he said, “Why do you need to read a review? Listen to it. It’s freely available! Make up your own mind. I would never read an album review and go, ‘I’m not gonna listen to that now.”

What’s Next for Sheeran and his Music Tour 

Ed Sheeran, a father of two, revealed that he plans to slow down on his music tour when his children start school. “I don’t want to homeschool my kids,” he said.

However, he still intends to perform on weekends and has put together a full band for some performances.