US rapper and producer Dr Dre says he hopes his new album, 'Detox', will be out in time for Christmas.

Dre said he had only recently begun to feel like the project was coming together and that “it’s something I can be proud of, and everybody is going to love it.”

'Detox' will be Dre's first studio album since his 1999 release, entitled '2001'. Jay-Z, Lil' Wayne and Nas are all expected to star on the release.

In an interview with USA Today, Dre also appeared to confirm reports that it would be his final studio album.

“I’m going to put this record out, promote it, tour and then become a hermit. I’m going to stay in the studio and produce.” he said.

(by Jason Gregory)