Kanye West no longer executive producing Rihanna's new album - report

Rapper Kanye West has reportedly stepped down as executive producer of Rihanna's long-awaited Anti album.

The Umbrella star has been teasing fans about her eighth studio project for months, and she launched her ANTIDiary.com website, in support of her forthcoming music, in late November (15), prompting reports suggesting she was gearing up for a surprise release.

Rumblings of a big Christmas (15) reveal came and went, and now the latest rumors suggest she is working towards a February (16) release.

Kanye had previously announced he was helping Rihanna put together the project at the 2015 Grammy Awards, where they teamed up to perform their last collaboration, FourFiveSeconds.

"I'm executive producing Rihanna's album," he told E! News presenter Ryan Seacrest on the red carpet.

However, it appears Kanye has since had to pass on the role as he is currently putting the finishing touches to his highly-anticipated release, Swish, which hits retailers on 11 February (16).

Rihanna is said to have shared the update in a message to a superfan on social media this week (begs18Jan16).

"I appreciate you so much!" the singer wrote to the devotee. "And I admire your ambition! Don't let anything hold you back!!! Thank you for the support. And FYI (for your information) Kanye is not EPing (executive producing) Anti!!! We're both working on our own projects right now!"

Rihanna has yet to issue any official comment on the production change.

In addition to completing the album, the star is also preparing to hit the road with her Anti World Tour, which kicks off in San Diego, California on 26 February (16). Her rumored boyfriend, rapper Travis Scott, will serve as her support act in North America, while The Weeknd and Big Sean will join her on select dates in Europe.