Drake praises The xx

Drake says The xx's Jamie Smith is "one of the most exciting producers" he's heard.

The 'Forever' rapper confirmed he is working with the indie musician on his second album, 'Take Care', as well as another British musician, Florence And The Machine.

Speaking of 'VCR' hitmaker Jamie, Drake told the BBC: "The praises I'll sing most is definitely The xx and Jamie, and we're working on Take Care together. Jamie is probably one of the most exciting producers I've ever heard."

Speaking of their collaboration, Jamie added to NME magazine: "He's a fan of The xx and my remixes and stuff and I sent him some beats. We're just going to do some stuff for the next album."

The move is a sidestep for the Canadian hip hop artist, as he his debut 'Thank Me Later' was hailed one of the best North American rap albums of 2010, and featured heavyweights of the genre including Lil Wayne, Jay-Z, Swizz Beats and Timbaland.

Drake added his work with Florence is set for her second album, which she is presently writing.

He added: ''Me and Flo met the night after the MTV Video Music Awards last year, she came to the studio and we just clicked right away. We listened to all her new music and I picked which song I really want to get on.

"Me and Florence can get in the studio and do something incredible and we will."

Florence joined Drake onstage in London when he performed a show last Saturday (08.01.11).