Jay-Z Is Not Retired, But He Also Is Not Actively Working On New Music: I Don’t Know What Happens Next

Jay-Z Is Not Retired, But He Also Is Not Actively Working On New Music: I Don’t Know What Happens Next

Here is some news Jay-Z fans may not be happy to hear, depending on your interpretation.

No, Jay-Z is not retired, but he is also not planning to follow in the footsteps of his wife (Beyonce)—at least not when it comes to releasing new music. As you may already know, the iconic rapper took a brief hiatus from the music industry in 2003 when “The Black Album,” which was meant to be his last album, was released.

However, he came back about three years later and has since racked up a total of 13 studio albums, on top of his production accolades and collaborations with other artists. In regards to whether he is officially stepping away from the music industry, Jay-Z said,

“I just needed a break. I was really burned out at that time. I was releasing an album every year, ’96, ’97, ’98. And in between that, soundtracks, other people’s album, Roc-A-Fella, touring, back to back. And I just looked up one day and I was like ‘I’m tired.'”

He added,

“I don’t know what happens next. I’m not actively making music or making albums, or have plans to make an album, but I never want to say I’m retired. It’s a gift, and who am I to shut it off? It’s open to whatever. And it may have a different form, a different interpretation … I’m just going to leave it open.”

Jay-Z explains why he tried to retire years ago & if he’ll release new music: It’s a gift & who am I to shut it off (? @kevinhart4real) pic.twitter.com/ND7Ml0dw3k

— theJasmineBRAND (@thejasminebrand) July 14, 2022

The rapper hasn’t released a solo album since his 2017 project “4:44,” which has been certified platinum and debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. The 23-time Grammy Award winner received eight nominations for the album—more than any other year—but he did not take home any awards.

He appeared on Kanye West‘s “Jail” and Pusha-T‘s “Neck and Wrist” earlier this year.

What are your thoughts on what Jay-Z said about releasing new music? Let us know in the comments!

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