After pledging to retire from the music industry if Kanye's album 'Graduation' outsold his own 'Curtis', 50 Cent has seemingly taken the first step by axing all his dates.

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50, real name Curtis Jackson, said before both albums were released: "If Kanye West sells more records than me, I'll no longer write music. I'll work with my other artists, but I won't put out anymore solo albums."

He has cancelled performances at tomorrow night's Vodafone Live Music Awards and MOBO Awards after Kanye won the UK leg of their chart battle on Sunday.

"50 Cent is very sad to confirm that due to a last-minute, unforeseen and unanticipated change in his schedule, he will have to postpone his European promotional trip scheduled to take place from September 18 to 25." a spokesman for the rapper said.

50's MOBOs cancellation has left organisers struggling to replace him with another big name.