Kanye West, Jay-Z Give ‘WTT’ Preview at NYC Planetarium

Jay-Z and Kanye West are nearing the release date for their 'Watch the Throne' collaboration and the rap duo threw a grand album listening affair -- held inside the Hayden Planetarium at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City -- for attendees that included celebrities, journalists and critics alike Monday night (August 1).

The private event brought out Hov's wife Beyonce, her Destiny's Child sister Kelly Rowland and younger sibling Solange, rapid rhymer Busta Rhymes, G.O.O.D. Music signee Pusha T, A Tribe Called Quest member Q-Tip, Miami representive DJ Khaled, music executive Lyor Cohen and a wealth of others.

Champagne and cocktails flowed throughout the evening as the listeners were privy to hear the exclusive sounds of what's to come when the highly anticipated LP is available on iTunes August 8.

While a rumored feud between the two hip-hop vets was supposed to keep them apart, there were no signs of a rift as West and Jigga posed, with smiles situated on their faces, squashing the supposed "beef."

Earlier Monday afternoon, the Brooklyn MC headed to HOT 97 in New York to chat with Angie Martinez. Jay-Z didn't deny that he and 'Ye bumped heads at times but was adamant in his claim that, internal arguments or not, he'd never come to blows with his younger 'brother." "Yes, we get on each other's nerves," Jay-Z admitted. "We push each other to be greater. Of course, there are times when we're in the studio and we're yelling. I would never disrespect that man or put my hands on him."

As for the album, which has spawned a tour kicking off in Atlanta on October 29, he shares sentiments of presenting the masses with nothing but the best. "I think this album is the perfect album at the perfect time," he said.

Check the new 'Watch the Throne' tour dates here. The album debuts exclusively on iTunes on August 8. 'Watch the Throne' will then be available in physical copies and at digital retailers on August 12.