US rapper T.I. says he is “beating down the internet” after a song from his forthcoming new album, 'Paper Trails', appeared online

'Swagger Like Us', which features Jay-Z, Kanye West and Lil' Wayne, emerged on a number of file-sharing websites over the weekend.

It's the first track that fans have heard from the album, which is due to be released at the end of September, and was scheduled to be aired for the first time at next months MTV Video Music Awards.

"Don't ruin the event. Wait till the cake comes out the kitchen before you eat it,” T.I. Told MTV.

“That's like a kid who sees his toys before Christmas; it takes away from me and I think it takes away from the fans as well. When it's time, I'mma give it to you.”

Justin Timberlake, Rihanna and Usher are among a host of stars who also feature on the rapper's new album.

(by Jason Gregory)