50 Cent Explains Before I Self Destruct Delay

When 50 Cent delayed his new album, Before I Self Destruct, until next year, many questions came up. Now, he's speaking on his decision to push back the LP.

"I'm trying to leave the same way I came in," 50 tells MTV. "February 4 [2003], Get Rich or Die Tryin' [click to read], came out. I drop this album February 3. The time frame...it used to take six to eight weeks for us to position a hip-hop record. Now, it's taking 12 to 14 weeks."

50 says there's one culprit to blame for the additional time needed to work his singles.

"Just the positioning. I'm not comfortable where I'm at right now," he adds. "My song 'Get Up' [click to listen] is performing great. I'm happy with 'Get Up.' It moved faster than 'I Get Money' at radio. But I'm just looking for the opportunity to present more of my material [prior to the album's release]. It's not the strongest effort on my album; it's just a great start for me."

50 went on to note that he will be releasing a "Greatest Hits" record after this and will discuss re-negotiations with his label.

When asked about his alleged failures with recent albums, he said there were no ill feelings.

"I think all artists have things they can point to that have been done wrong at different points in their career. It's cool. I'll get over it. They can just pay me."