Ye (formerly known as Kanye West) is one of the most polarizing figures in entertainment. He’s also one of the most talented artists of the last 20 years. His music has repeatedly changed the aesthetic and tone of hip-hop.
But in recent years, his personal issues — relationship drama, failed political campaigns, and controversial opinions — have made more headlines than his music. And now, it appears that he may be ready to leave music behind.
According to TMZ, in a text conversation leaked by rapper and collaborator Rich The Kid, West proclaimed, “I am retiring from professional music.” He goes on to explain that he’s “not sure what else to do.”
A stunned Rich The Kid replied by pleading for Ye to continue recording. “Retire? Why? How?” he said. “The ppl NEED you the music you & Ty & we have made the BIGGEST STAMP in culture to this date in 2024.”
Rich may have a point: “Vultures 1,” the joint album Ye and Ty Dolla Sign released in February as the duo ¥$, debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart. And the single “Carnival,” which Rich The Kid is featured on alongside Playboi Carti, also topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Still, TMZ reports that the 24-time Grammy winner is burned out. Their sources claim “Ye feels that he’s being sucked dry putting so much heart, soul, time and energy into the music industry.”
Considering that Ye has become such a drama magnet, social media definitely had thoughts on his possible retirement. Though they ranged from reflective to celebratory, there was also a lot of disbelief, as no one seems to think West can realistically give up music.
One fan noted that they didn’t want his most recent release to be the end, writing on X, “‘Vultures’ cannot be kanyes last album man.”
Another user called out his more recent work, posting, “Hot take: he’s been retired since ‘TLOP’ [‘The Life of Pablo’].”
One person didn’t seem to believe the rapper’s claims, writing on X, “In the time it took you to tweet this he unretired LMAO.”
As unpredictable as Ye is, the one thing we’ve never doubted about him is his commitment to his art. There’s no denying that his controversial actions and comments have hurt his musical legacy, but perhaps some time away from the spotlight of fame and the grind of constant creation will help him find a better balance in his life.