Kanye West Retiring from Music? A Look at Other Rappers Who’ve Claimed Retirement Only To Return

Kanye West is allegedly retiring from making music, though it’s unclear if he’s leaving hip-hop for good. 

Rapper Rich The Kid shared text messages between him and Ye in which the sneaker designer revealed he was stepping away from rap. This surprised Rich, who has collaborated with West several times. 

“I am retiring from professional music…Not sure what else to do,” West texted his pal. 

Rich pleaded with West to reconsider, pointing out that the culture wouldn’t be the same without him. The “Flashing Lights” rapper and producer may have plans for his free time. Though West’s Adidas deal has soured, he continues releasing merchandise under his YZY website, indicating that fashion may become his main focus.  Still, this may not be the end of West’s musical run.

West is not the only hip-hop superstar who has announced retirement only to return to the microphone shortly after. Therefore, there is hope for West fans, who may witness the 47-year-old return from his hiatus just as his peers have.

Jay-Z announced his retirement in 2003

West’s longtime friend Jay-Z made headlines when he announced his retirement in 2003. At the time, Hov claimed “The Black Album” would be his final project. However, during a July 2022 interview with Kevin Hart’s “Hart to Heart“ series, Jay admitted that he was “burned out“ at the time. He returned to music in 2006 to work on the “American Gangster“ album, which was released the following year. 

50 Cent threatened to retire in 2007 if he didn’t outsell Kanye West

50 Cent once declared he was leaving hip-hop, and West was the alleged reason. In 2007, he told SOHH.com,  “If Kanye West sells more records than 50 Cent on September 11, I’ll no longer write music. I’ll write music and work with my other artists, but I won’t put out any more solo albums.”

Ultimately, West’s “Graduation” sold 957,000 copies, while “Curtis“ moved 691,000 copies. Thankfully, this did not sway the G-Unit founder. 

Lil Wayne claimed he was leaving music in 2014 and 2016

During a 2014 MTV News interview, Lil Wayne claimed he would only release one more project. However, he continued with more music, though in September 2016, he announced his departure once again.

“I AM NOW DEFENSELESS AND mentally DEFEATED & I leave gracefully and thankful I luh my fanz but I’m dun,“ he wrote. 

I AM NOW DEFENSELESS AND mentally DEFEATED & I leave gracefully and thankful I luh my fanz but I'm dun

— Lil Wayne WEEZY F (@LilTunechi) September 3, 2016

As of 2024, Wayne continues to release new records, with his latest being November 2023’s “Welcome 2 Collegrove,” a collaborative project with 2Chainz. 

Jeezy claimed in 2018 that “Thug Motivation 104“ was his final project

Jeezy’s loyal fanbase was dealt a devastating blow when he announced in March 2018 that “TM104: The Legend Of The Snowman“ would be his final album. 

“As the Cold Summer tour comes to a end.. It was inspiring seeing my day one fans since my first album & class TM 101 come out every night.  Now class is coming to a end.  It’s time for Graduation! My Last Album & Final Class: TM104 -#TrustYaProcess,“ he tweeted. 

As the Cold Summer tour comes to a end.. It was inspiring seeing my day one fans since my first album & class TM 101 come out every night. Now class is coming to a end. It's time for Graduation! My Last Album & Final Class: TM104 –#TrustYaProcess ☃️

— Sno (@Jeezy) March 22, 2018

The album was released in August 2019 but would not be Jeezy’s final project. He has since released “The Recession” in November 2020, “Snofall” in October 2022 and “I Might Forgive… But I Don’t Forget” in November 2023, a sign that he won’t be leaving the studio anytime soon.