Rapper Lil Wayne will release his new album digitally immediately following his performance at the MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday.

Tha Carter IV will be available on iTunes, Amazon.com and other digital outlets at midnight. The physical album will hit stores 24 hours later.
 
Lil Wayne says, "I am extremely excited to be the first artist to utilise such an amazing idea. I hope that I can open the door for others."

The rapper's Grammy Award-winning Tha Carter III was the bestselling album of 2008.

Sunday could be a huge night for Wayne - he's also up for two VMA awards.