Good things may come to those who wait, but there’s nothing like getting something early!

Jay-Z’s anticipated new album, The Blueprint 3, is available now, ahead of schedule (thanks, internet leak!) and already garnering rave reviews. The UK’s Daily Telegraph gave it four stars and said of the accomplished artist: “At 40 years old, [he] comes across as a well-rounded, sophisticated and diplomatic human being, more reliant on wit, charm and persuasive argument than all-out verbal assault.”

The first “Blueprint” album was released September 11, 2001, and Brooklyn native Jay-Z made waves last week with a 9/11 benefit show at Madison Square Garden, with appearances by artists like Rihanna and John Mayer.

Jay-Z also recently made a rare appearance on Bill Maher, who gave the rapper a gift of all his lyrics bound up in a book (aww, could it be that sharp-tongued Maher is just a big ol’ softie?).

Need more evidence that the rapper’s in line with the GURU philosophy? Jay-Z’s single “D.O.A.” has him touting the virtues of going all-natural – hey, just like GURU! – and calling the time of death on voice-distorting, robot-friendly Auto-Tune.