The billboards have prompted many complaints

The billboards show the rapper - real name Curtis Jackson - holding a gun in one hand and a microphone in the other.

Last week, promoters Clear Channel agreed to remove some of the posters in the Los Angeles area after a rally was held in protest.

Now the company has agreed to remove 21 posters in Philadelphia.

'Passion'

"The message could be 'rob to get rich' ... It's a very offensive message that is part of a mind-set that says you can solve problems with violence," said Bilal Qayyum, a leader of the antiviolence group Men United for a Better Philadelphia.

He praised Clear Channel for agreeing to remove the signs.

"They showed corporate responsibility," Qayyum said.

In a statement, George Kauker, president of the Philadelphia division of Clear Channel Outdoor, said: "Based on clear and vocal negative response from local Philadelphia community groups, we agreed to remove this particular advertisement."

He added that the decision applied the Philadelphia area only.

Get Rich or Die Tryin', which is due to open in the US on 9 November, stars Jackson - as a drug dealer who turns his back on crime to pursue his true passion, rap music.

The film, directed by Jim Sheridan, mirrors the real life of Jackson, who was jailed for selling drugs before finding fame.