US rapper Eminem will release his new album 'Relapse' on December 23rd, according to an online music retailer.

Amazon listed the purported release date yesterday but changed it to “TBD” (to be decided) after reports spread online.

Eminem suggested in an interview earlier this month that the album, his first since 2004's 'Encore', would be released before the end of the year.

A spokesperson for the rapper had not responded to Gigwise's request for confirmation when this story went to press.

As previously reported, in an interview with the BBC last week, Eminem said he had no immediate plans to tour the album.

The rapper said he wanted 'Relapse', which features production from long time collaborator Dr Dre, to “remind people how I rap”.

"I've accomplished enough with the music that I haven't had to go out there and do other things to over-saturate,” Eminem explained.

"That's probably what I take pride in most. But, at the end of the day, it's kind of catch 22. I love the attention but I don't like too much of it."

(by Jason Gregory)