US rapper Jay-Z will release his much anticipated new album, 'The Blueprint 3', on December 2nd, it's been reported.

The album will complete a trilogy of releases which began in 2001 with 'The Blueprint'.

According to You Heard That New, the album will include a sequel to 'Swagger Like Us' - a track on fellow hip-hop star T.I.'s new album, 'Papertrail'.

Jay-Z's rendition, entitled 'Swagger Like Us: The Sequel', is reported to feature lyrics from Young Jeezy, Andre 3000 and Nas.

In August, Jay-Z previewed the album track, 'Jockin' Jay-Z', during a performance with Kanye West, which was later leaked onto the internet.

The finished version of the song includes an attack on Oasis guitarist Noel Gallagher - in reference to his criticism of Jay-Z's headlining slot at last summer's Glastonbury festival.

As previously reported, West is understood to be the main producer on 'The Blueprint 3' alongside Timbaland.

(by Jason Gregory)