Prince has recorded a song about social unrest in Baltimore.

The 56-year-old musician penned the track as a ''tribute'' following the death of a black man, Freddie Gray, in police custody, which has sparked almost a fortnight of rioting and protests in the area.

The announcement was made in a statement which read: ''Prince has just recorded a new song that addresses the unrest in Baltimore and the socio/political issues around the country in the wake of a slew of killings of young black men. The song is a tribute to all of the people of the city of Baltimore.''

The track is the first to be announced since the 'Little Red Corvette' hitmaker released two albums, 'Plectrumelectrum' and 'Art Official Age' in 2014, although the future of the track is uncertain as Prince is yet to decide whether he should let the public hear the song.

The statement added: ''Release plans for the song, which was recorded this week at Paisley Park, have not yet been announced.''

The star is not the first to come out in support of the people living in the Maryland city, as Beyoncé previously posted on Instagram offering her support.

She wrote: ''People are hurting. Join us in supporting the NAACP to help in the cleanup efforts and to provide housing, food and supplies to those affected by the unrest in Baltimore.''