A WINCHESTER woman's soothing vocals have been sampled for the title track of the newly-released album of a world-famous rapper.

American rapper Jay-Z sampled the vocals of soul singer Hannah Williams from Winchester on his title track of his new album called 4.44.

Jay-Z is one of the best-selling musicians of all time and sold more than 100 million records, while receiving 21 Grammy Awards for his music.He is also married to the Queen of pop, Beyonce.

Some of his most famous songs include 99 Problems, Empire State of Mind and Dirt Off Your Shoulder among others and his net worth according to Forbes is $810m.

The rapper stumbled on the vocals by Ms Williams by surprise and then called her about using Late Nights and Heartbreak by Hannah Williams and the Affirmations in the track 4.44.

Ms Williams,35, who is a mum-of-one from Badger Farm said: "I was originally told that JAY-Z wanted to use this track back in February – I got a call out of the blue when I was on a coach taking the University choir to perform a classical music concert in Leeds at the Cathedrals Group Choir Festival. A few days later I spoke to JAY-Z on the phone – I’ve had to keep the whole thing top secret until now."

“We have only heard the track today, along with the rest of the world on the album’s release. We’re thrilled but it still seems a little unreal.”

"I am crossing my fingers, this could launch us into a whole new world."

JAY-Z has said of the track: “4:44 it's the crux of the album, I woke up, literally, at 4:44 in the morning to write this song... It's the title track because it's such a powerful song, and I just believe one of the best songs I've ever written.”

It is understood that some of the lyrics on the track for example, directly address Jay Z's guilt over infidelity.

Hannah graduated from the University of Winchester in 2006, with a first-class degree in Music Theatre. She joined Foundation Music as a student in her third year and has since became a Creative Director at the university where she oversees eight choirs and 11 instrumentals and the the running of all Foundation Music ensembles and curates events – including performances at the University’s annual Graduation ceremonies in Winchester Cathedral – along with Dr Vicky Feldwick, Foundation Music Manager.

Ms Williams added: “My work at the University forms a huge part of being in the band and building my skills – the two go hand-in-hand, and I don’t think this success would have been possible without it."

Jay-Z’s album 4:44 is exclusively available on his music streaming service Tidal: https://listen.tidal.com/album/75413011