50 Cent says new record could top debut

50 Cent thinks his new album could "impact as hard" as his debut LP.

The 'Candy Shop' rapper - real name Curtis Jackson - says he is glad he has taken his time working on 'Before I Self Destruct' because he now believes it is as good as his first record, 'Get Rich or Die Tryin''.

He said: "I had more time to work on this record. I usually put an album out every two years, so this is almost an additional year.

"This record could potentially be the one to top 'Get Rich or Die Tryin''. I think it could impact as hard, but not necessarily sell as much."

50 - who grew up in a tough New York neighbourhood - also spoke about gangsta rap, insisting it is still relevant to modern society.

He added to BBC Newsbeat: "People are still living under these circumstances. They identify with it because they have similar struggles or have experienced something similar. They enjoy gangsta rap with a different intensity."

The singer insists he isn't prepared to alter his style to make it less intense.

He said: "If we just follow trends then we're all doing the same thing.

"If Black Eyed Peas' 'Boom Boom Pow' is hot, do we all go and make a 'Boom Boom Pow'?"