50 Cent drops out of 'Expendables'

50 Cent's representatives have issued a statement explaining why he has pulled out of new Sylvester Stallone film The Expendables.

The gangsta rapper had originally been chosen to replace Forest Whitaker, who left the project because of other commitments.

His representative told MTV News: "50 Cent was offered the role of Hale Caesar in The Expendables.

"However, as he is currently in the process of completing his forthcoming album Before I Self Destruct with Dr Dre and Eminem, he was unfortunately not able to commit to the project."

50 Cent is reportedly planning to put out two albums in 2009, but only after the release of Eminem's comeback LP.