Ed Sheeran reveals Jay-Z turned down Shape of You verse

While speaking to Rolling Stone for his March cover story, the Shape of You singer remembered he originally asked the rapper to collaborate with him on his 2017 hit. "We were in touch," Ed told the outlet. "I sent him the song, and he said, 'I don't think the song needs a rap verse.' He was probably right." Ed Sheeran / Rolling Stone. He praised Jay-Z by saying: "He's got a very, very good ear, usually gets things right. It was a very natural, respectful pass."