50 Cent has admitted he delayed the release of his new album to avoid a head-to-head clash with Eminem.

'Before I Self Destruct' was originally due out in December 2008, but was later postponed until November this year.

At the time, the rapper said the delay was to allow his producer Dr Dre to work on Eminem's 'Relapse', which was eventually released in May.

However, 50 Cent has now acknowledged that it was also "being smart enough not to come down the track while the Eminem train is coming".

In an interview with BBC Newsbeat, he described 'Before I Self Destruct' as the album that could eclipse his 2003 debut 'Get Rich Or Die Tryin''.

“I think it could impact as hard, but not necessarily sell as much,” he said.

But there is still a chance that the record could clash with Eminem, who is expected to release 'Relapse 2' this winter.

You can read about the Detroit rapper's sequel to 'Relapse' here.

(by Jason Gregory)