Jay-Z says his father left a "huge scar" when he abandoned him as a child.

The American rapper's dad left his family early on in life. Jay-Z says his absence created an ample amount of hurt for him.

"My dad was such a good dad that when he left, he left a huge scar," he revealed.

"I bet my dad didn't believe he'd spaz out and leave either."

Jay-Z appears on the cover of GQ magazine's upcoming Men of the Year issue.

The 41-year-old star insists losing his dad hurt more than never having him in the first place.

"If your dad died before you were born, yeah, it hurts - but it's not like you had a connection with something that was real," he told the publication.

Jay-Z is currently expecting his first baby with wife Beyonce Knowles.

The stunning songstress has previously gushed about how great her husband will be as a father and role model.

"Of course he will be!" she exclaimed when asked if Jay-Z will make a good dad.

"His music has inspired millions of people over the last two decades, but he inspires all the people around him on a more personal level, too. He's an inspirational artist, friend and husband, and his next step is to be an inspirational father.

"He's everything you could ask for in a husband and friend."