Jay-Z Never Wants To Say He’s ‘Retired’ From Music

Jay-Z is one of the most influential rap artists in the game right now. His influence reaches beyond the music industry, which accounts for Time Magazine’s including him in their 100 most influential people list in 2013. The rapper recently spoke about potentially leaving the recording booth for good.

Speaking on Kevin Hart’s comedian show, Hart to Heart, Jay-Z opened up about his music career and whether or not he considers himself to be retired. He specifically referenced his 2003 project, The Black Album, which was thought of as his final record before going into retirement. Although the rapper has since stayed busy, he did admit that he was in need of a break.

I just needed a break. But I really thought that I was really burnt out at that time. I was releasing an album every year. ’96, ’97, ’98, and in between that, soundtracks, other people’s albums, Roc-A-Fella, touring, back to back. I just looked up one day and I was like ‘I’m tired.’ I had never been on vacation until like, I want to say 2000, my whole life. I was just really burnt out at that moment.

As for whether Jay-Z considers himself to be completely out of the game, the rapper suggested that he’s leaving the door open to the idea.

I don’t know what happens next. I’m not actively making music or making an album or have plans to make an album, but I never want to say that I’m retired. It’s a gift, so who am I to shut it off. And it may have a different form or interpretation. Maybe it’s not an album, maybe it is. I have no idea, but I’m just going to leave it open.

Jay-Z has so many outside ventures that it’s understandable for fans of his music work to be weary of him potentially heading towards retirement. As for now, it appears the rapper will keep on creating music inside and outside the booth.

What do you make of Jay-Z’s comments regarding retirement? Sound off in the comments section below.