US rapper 50 Cent has admitted that what inspired him to get into hip-hop is “dwindling away”.

In an interview with Billboard, the rapper said people's quest for money had undermined the genre.

“I think people are so conscious of the numbers they're not being creative anymore,” he warned.

50 Cent is one of a host of rappers who have moved into ventures away from music, including fashion and acting.

But the rapper is due to make his comeback later this year with 'Before I Self Destruct'.

50 Cent said the album, which was originally due to be released last year but was delayed to make way for Eminem's new record, represents the current period in time.

“When these guys finish mixing I'll finish making the decisions,” he said.

“People look at my projects as if it's only 50, but it's really 50 Cent up to Dr Dre and Eminem standards."

(by Jason Gregory)