Eminem new album release date rumors: Album on hold due to new business venture?

(Reuters/Lucy Nicholson)Eminem performs on stage at the 2014 MTV Movie Awards in Los Angeles, California April 13, 2014.

The high demand for Eminem's new album isn't at all surprising, considering that he is one of the greatest rappers of this generation. Unfortunately, the rapper has not released a new album since 2013's "The Marshal Mathers LP 2." While many anticipate his new album to drop within the year, it seems that "The Rap God" has elected to spend most of his time behind the scenes. The latest reports suggest that his ninth studio album may once again be delayed due to the rapper's new business venture.

Eminem, born Marshall Bruce Mathers III, recently partnered with Detroit-based StockX, an e-commerce company with a buy-and-sell format for limited edition products, including sneakers. The newly formed company gains Mathers as its first major investor.

"Sneakers have always been a huge interest of mine, for at least as long as I've been rapping, and I'm proud of the fact that I've had so many collaborations with Nike and Jordan Brand. I really like the fact that sneakers are a big part of what StockX is going. When I found out that they happen to be doing it from downtown Detroit, it made even more sense to get involved," Mathers was quoted saying in the press release.

Apart from investing in business ventures, the rapper has also devoted much of his time producing records for his label, Shady Records.

In 2015, rather than work on his own music, Eminem worked as an executive producer for two albums — Yelawolf's "Love Story" and the movie soundtrack for "Southpaw." Around the same time, D12 collaborator and friend Denaun Porter shed light on the rapper's process and the possible reason as to why there hasn't been a new album yet.

"Em doesn't work like that. He's gotta feel that there's things to talk about and things to say. I mean, he's working on some other things I know of," Porter told Conspiracy Worldwide.

Reports have suggested that the reason for the delay is that Eminem is still waiting to be inspired. Eminem's music is known to be very controversial but also very honest. While most raps are autobiographical, his verses would also touch upon relevant social issues.

While there hasn't been any mention of a new album from Eminem or his camp, Porter did say that with Eminem, you never know what he's going to do. Hopefully, inspiration hits and drives the rapper back into the recording studio.

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