Eminem LP 'postponed until early 2009'

Eminem has reportedly postponed the release of his new album until the New Year because he is still working on the finishing touches.

The US rapper had originally planned to release the follow-up to 2004's Encore this year, but his "perfectionism" is said to have caused a delay.

"Eminem has been through a lot. He is being a perfectionist and is completely obsessive-compulsive about this album," an insider told the New York Post.

"There's a 50-50 chance it will be done by the end of this year - but most likely it'll be the first quarter of next year."

Last month, Eminem confirmed that the new LP will be titled Relapse and is mainly produced by longtime collaborator Dr Dre.

The first single to be released will be 'I'm Having A Relapse'.