(BBC) 50 Cent's album, Curtis, reached number two in the UK album charts
US rapper 50 Cent has "temporarily postponed" his European tour, prompting questions over whether he has retired from making music.
The star is currently poised to lose a chart battle with rival Kanye West. He vowed to quit if his album, Curtis, was outsold by West's Graduation.
West topped the UK charts on Sunday, and he is expected to win the race to number one in the US later this week.
A spokeswoman for 50 Cent refused to comment on his retirement plans.
She said that "unforeseen circumstances" had led to the temporary postponement of his tour.
The rapper was also due to perform at this week's Mobo Awards and Vodafone Live Music Awards in London, as well as an MTV show in Germany on Friday. Those appearances have also been scrapped.