50 Cent has decided to delay the release of his fourth LP and film Before I Self-Destruct, pushing both projects back until early 2009.
The G-Unit mogul had initially planned a December media blitz that would have included his sophomore video game Blood in the Sand, the album, and his 90-minute film directorial debut, added as a bonus DVD.
However the strain of attempting to complete three high-profile releases simultaneously proved too much.
Due to the danger of missing key advertising and retail placement dates, 50 Cent revealed the wise decision was to delay the album/dvd to ensure the work retained the quality his fans expect.
“Times are hard. Everyone is trying to make the most of what they have,” 50 explained in a statement. “I want to give my fans something extra for their hard earned dollars. They’ll get a free bonus when the pick up the album.”
The album will be 50 Cent’s first venture since G-Unit’s sophomore album Terminate On Sight, which quickly fell off the charts after a mixed reception from fans and critics.
Before I Self-Destruct’s first single “Get Up” was released on October 7, and to date has peaked at #44 on Billboard’s Hot 100, and #10 on the Hot Rap Tracks chart.
The bonus feature-length DVD will mark 50’s debut as a screenwriter and director.
The G-Unit leader will also star in the film, which chronicles the struggles of a inner-city youth drawn to a life of crime after the murder of his mother.
At press time, 50 cent has not confirmed a definitive 2009 release date for the album.