US rapper 50 Cent had delayed the release of his new album, ‘Before I Self Destruct’, until 2009.

The follow-up to 2007’s ‘Curtis’ had been due on December 16th but the rapper is struggling to finish the album in time.

He told Rolling Stone that the release was “darker” than his recent material, adding: “It has the essence of [his debut] Get Rich or Die Tryin’. It’s authentic with harsh realities.”

The album, which features Dr Dre and Eminem, will be accompanied with a full-length feature film where 50 Cent plays a promising sports star who turns to crime.

The movie has been written and directed by the rapper. ‘Before I Self Destruct’ is now expected early in the New Year.

As previously reported, 50 Cent’s ‘Curtis’ was involved in a high profile album clash with fellow hip hop star Kanye West when it was release last year.

West’s ‘Graduation’ eventually won the battle, topping the charts in the UK and US.

(by Jason Gregory)