Rapper Jay-Z has admitted to infidelity in his marriage to Beyonce, in a revealing interview with the New York Times about his personal struggles.

The award-winning singer and producer, who has three children with his equally successful partner, said the couple used their music to work through their issues. Jay-Z latest album, 4:44, alludes to his infidelity, as do several songs on Beyonce’s 2016 album “Lemonade.â€

“We were using our art almost like a therapy session,†he told the . He said they initially tried to write an album together, but Beyonce’s music was “further along†so they kept their work separate.

Speaking about his own personal pains, Jay-Z said he went into “survival mode.

“And when you go into survival mode what happen? You shut down all emotions. So even with women, you gonna shut down emotionally, so you can’t connect.â€

He added: “In my case, like it’s, it’s deep. And then all the things happen from there. Infidelity…â€

Rumours about the couple’s marital problems have swirled for years. They only intensified with the release of “Lemonade,†in which Beyonce sings: “He only want me when I’m not there, he better call Becky with the good hair.â€

Jay-Z added that he was “proud of the music she made,†and that Beyonce was “proud of the art I released.â€

He cited the high number of divorces in the interview, saying that most people “can’t see themselves.

“The hardest thing is seeing pain on someone’s face that you caused, and then have to deal with yourself.â€