Hip-hop mogul has signed the British singer to his label and management company Roc Nation. Rita has since landed a UK Number One with her debut track R.I.P and is supporting Coldplay on tour this summer.
Rita owes her success to Jay-Z, who she believes has an abundance of patience.
"We just clicked. He's a Sagittarius, I'm a Sagittarius. He's a great boss. It's like family. Jay cares about his artists, his business and about people's feelings. That's what sets him apart from everyone else," she gushed in an interview with with More! magazine.
"They gave me three years to do my album: two years to find myself and a year to record it. People don't usually do that nowadays, because, realistically there's no money, but I guess he just believed in me."
Rita has been compared to Rihanna because of their similar edgy attitudes and sassy style. The 21-year-old star is flattered by such comments and continually aspired to be like her musical icons.
"It's an honour. Who wouldn't want to be compared to her?" she mused, before adding: "Gwen Stefani is one of my idols. I love her a lot and will wear the comparison high on my shoulder. I like anyone that can be confident with themselves."