Jay-Z’s Blueprint 3 album leaked in advance

US rapper Jay-Z said he wanted fans to be able to listen free to his new album, The Blueprint 3, before its release - but not like this. He had planned to make his 11th studio album available via an MTV website and the US digital music service Rhapsody before its official release on September 11. But by Monday at least five tracks had been leaked and made available to download.
 
Four of the five leaked tracks were the ones on the album produced by Timbaland, Jay-Z's long-time producer, which has led to some bloggers suggesting that someone from his camp was responsible for the leak. Timbaland was reportedly disgruntled about the number of tracks he was allowed to produce on the latest album. In July he had told MTV that he was producing the whole album, but Kanye West has been responsible for almost half the album.
 
"I may be the most bootlegged artist in history," Jay-Z told MTV News shortly after the leak was revealed. "It's a preview. I'm excited for people to hear the album. I'm very proud of the work I've done, so enjoy it." Other artists who feature on the album include US singer Alicia Keys and Londoner Mr Hudson, who was nominated for a Mobo award last week.
 
Jay-Z also announced yesterday that he is to give a benefit concert at New York's Madison Square Garden on September 11, to mark the eighth anniversary of 9/11. The 'Answer the Call' charity gig will raise money for the New York Police and Fire Widows' and Children's Benefit Fund. ·