Out of all the many big name singers and rappers who took part in the 2010 version of the classic charity song "We Are The World," benefiting the victims of the Haiti Earthquake, one rapper was noticeably absent from the recording: Jay-Z.

In a recent interview with MTV, the rap superstar explained that he decided not to participate in the re-vamped version of the song.

"I know everybody is gonna take this wrong: 'We Are the World,' I love it, and I understand the point and think it's great. But, I think 'We Are the World' is like [Michael Jackson's] 'Thriller' to me. I don't ever want to see it touched," Jay said.

While he admits that he was asked to participate by the producers arranging the recording session, he says the original was untouchable.

"I'm a fan of music. I know the plight and everything that's going on in Haiti. I applaud the efforts: [Millions have been raised] through text [donations] to Haiti. So I appreciate the efforts and everything, but 'We are the World' is [musically] untouchable, like 'Thriller' is untouchable. Some things are just untouchable. It was a valiant effort, but for me, it's gonna be untouchable," Jay continued.

Jay further explained that he felt a new song should have been written, instead of just re-creating the classic from 1985.

"I would have loved that idea better," he explained. "As everyone knows, I have tremendous respect for Quincy Jones. Of course, I think he's genius, as everyone else does. [But] I think it's time for us to make a new [song]. I tried to do that with 'Stranded,' the song Jay, Rihanna and U2's Bono and the Edge premiered at the 'Hope for Haiti Now' telethon]. I didn't try to make 'We Are the World,' but I tried to make our take on how we felt."

Jay's wife Beyonce was also noticeably absent from the "We Are The World" remake.

The new version was created in honor of the original's 25th anniversary, as well as to raise awareness for victims of the earthquake with took place in Haiti last month.

(Watch the official "We Are The World 25 For Haiti" right here )