Kanye West has announced that he is retiring from “professional music” according to a text message exchange shared by rapper Rich The Kid.
In the text messages, Ye stated “I am retiring from professional music Not sure what else to do?”Rich The Kid expressed shock at Ye’s decision and tried to convince him not to quit, emphasizing the impact their music collaborations have had on culture. However, Ye did not provide any further details or clarification on his retirement plans in the exchange.
The news of Ye’s retirement has sparked speculation among fans and observers. Some believe it could be a strategic move leading up to a new album or business venture, while others are skeptical given Ye’s history of controversial statements.
Notably, a 2019 Reddit post revealed that Ye was contractually barred from retiring under his deal with EMI, which required him to remain actively involved in music as his “principle occupation.” This raises questions about the legitimacy and feasibility of Ye’s reported retirement announcement.
While Ye has directly communicated his intention to retire from professional music, the authenticity and permanence of this decision remain unclear given the conflicting information and Ye’s past behavior.
More details and confirmation from Ye or his representatives would be needed to determine if this retirement announcement is real or simply a temporary statement.