Eminem quits rap to become producer

Friends of hip-hop superstar Eminem have confirmed he's ditching his rap career in an attempt to become a producer.

The 33-year-old rapper, real name Marshall Mathers III, is the best-selling hip-hop artist ever, and feels there is nowhere further for him to go.

Proof, Eminem's D-12 bandmate, says: "Em has definitely gotten to the level where he feels like he's accomplished everything he can accomplish in rap.

"He wants to kick back and get into the producing thing. Why not bow out while you're on top?"

And collaborator Jeff Bass adds: "This has always been about putting food on the table. And he knows the right thing to do to make sure that happens.

"If that's moving into producing 50 Cent and the other artists he's handling then that's what it is. He's a smart guy. He knows what he's doing."