American hip-hop artist Jay-Z wants to start a family with wife Beyonce Knowles, though the latter is not keen to be a mother yet.

According to a source close to the couple, they are trying for a baby and Jay-Z can't wait to become a father, reports contactmusic.com.

"He's normally very secretive but Jay-Z is so excited about the prospect of becoming a dad, he just let slip that they're trying for a baby," said his friend.

However, Beyonce has kept her plans for a baby under wraps.

She had recently said: "It's not time for that yet. But definitely there will be a time. I want to be a great mother, the kind of mother that I have. I want the same bond that I had with my mom and that would be enough for me."

Jay-Z and Beyonce have been married for 18 months.