Kanye West has ducked out of a second album chart battle with rap rival 50 Cent by bringing the release of his new Cd forward a month.

West's 808s & Heartbreak was scheduled to hit stores a week after 50's Before I Self Destruct in December (08), but, in a post on his blog, the rapper states his new album will now arrive on "November something".

He writes, "I finished the album and I felt like (moving up the date). I want yall (sic) to hear it as soon as possible."

West has reportedly been working on the album in Hawaii.

He went head-to-head with 50 last year (07) when both rappers released albums on the same day (11Sep07).

Meanwhile, early estimates suggest West's new song Love Lockdown will debut at three on Billboard Hot 100 on Thursday (25Sep08). (c) WENN