US rapper 50 Cent has said the release of his new album has been put back so that he can promote it more.

'Before I Self Destruct' had been due in shops before Christmas but was delayed last week until early 2009.

Speaking to MTV, the rapper said he wasn't “comfortable” with the album's current positioning despite receiving early recognition for lead single 'Get Up'.

“My song 'Get Up' is performing great. I'm happy with 'Get Up.' It moved faster than 'I Get Money' at radio,” he said.

“But I'm just looking for the opportunity to present more of my material [prior to the album's release]. It's not the strongest effort on my album; it's just a great start for me."

The rapper, who yesterday cautiously welcomed Kanye West's decision to start singing, said his new album would probably be followed by a greatest hits compilation.

“We may put out a greatest-hits record then, [when] we start the renegotiations," the rapper added, alluding to his current deal with Interscope Records.

(by Jason Gregory)