(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Dr. Dre says making his new album Detox has felt like an obligation.

The American hip-hop star has been working on the much-anticipated record for eight years, since he first announced it in 2002.

In the last few months the long-awaited release has taken on new vigour after Dre spent time in a studio in Michigan, Detroit, to record the final parts.

While the rapper is excited about the new record, it has sometimes felt like a huge moral burden on him.

Absolutely. Actually, throughout the process, the majority of it has been that, doing it out of obligation. I think this record is gonna help feed a lot of families. You know what Im saying? So that part is hanging over my head. The only part that has been pushing me back is just the fact that Im getting older, and certain things to talk about, Dre told XXL magazine.

The 45-year-old enlisted the help of other artists when recording to ensure it featured certain subjects he doesnt want to talk about.

He believes getting the balance right has been challenging, because he really wants to reach a younger audience with his new material.

I can incorporate other artists, new artists with this record, to say some of the things I wont say. Its been a little tussle in that area also, just because of age and being able to identify with the younger audience, he revealed. (C) Cover Media