Jay-Z Discusses Retirement: ‘I’m Just Going To Leave It Open’
Even after decades in the business, Jay-Z is still undoubtedly one of the distinguished rappers and has become an influential icon in the culture. In a recent interview with Kevin Hart on his NBC show Hart to Heart, the comedian blatantly asked the rapper if he’s retired.
“Nah, I tried that,” referencing his 2003 project, The Black Album.
“I just needed a break,” Jay explained referring back to that time in his life. “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 the future of his career, the icon has no plans as of right now for another album but feels uncomfortable with labeling himself as retired.
“I don’t know what happens next,” he said. “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.”
The icon’s last solo project was his 2017 album 4:44 which earned him eight nods at the 60th Grammy Awards.
Take a look at Jay and Kevin’s conversation below:
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