Rappers are earning something of a reputation for retiring and un-retiring again with astounding frequency. Most enthusiasts of the industry know that Jay-Z famously retired in 2003, only to come back a few years later with a comeback album. Whether this was a marketing gimmick or a sincere change of heart is open to debate.
However, some retirements do seem to be more likely to stick than others. The big retirement this year is Logic. However, the history of retirements and comebacks for other artists leaves questions as to whether he’ll stay retired.
Logic
Logic said he was done writing and singing because he wants to focus on being a wonderful father. He also just got a very strong Twitch deal which may have had some influence on his retirement decision.
He has just released his goodbye album, No Pressure. This album is meant to mark a decade long career that has generated tremendous revenue stream and built a powerful fan base. This album characterizes the rapper’s over-the-top honesty and soulful sounds.
Past Retirements and Un-Retirements
Jay-Z Is perhaps the best-known for a huge un-retirement. He retired in 2003 with one of the most well-known farewell tours in all of Hip Hop. The album, Black Album was supposed to be his career capper. However, three years later he came back with another album, and another solo project was released in 2017. Therefore, it could hardly be said that Jay-Z is really retired.
Short Dog
Short dog was a Bay Area rapper who built a hip hop sound that became well-known for the area. He was an independent hip-hop artist who sold his tapes from his trunk or wherever he could rather than signing with a label.
However, eight years after his arguably best album, Life is… too short. He had continued to do very well, but he was getting tired of the industry. His closing album was gettin’ it, which was a beautiful way to say goodbye. However, Short Dog came back in 3 years and since then has released another 10 albums.
A Tribe Called Quest
While all of the individuals in this band go on to have their own musical careers, A Tribe Called Quest called it with the love movement, which was intended to be the final album from this extremely famous hip-hop band. This album misses out on a lot of what fans love from the previous albums and seems a little bit less vigorous and lacking in joy.
While all three artists in the band did go on to release great solo projects, it seems that it was a sad end for this very popular band. However, in 2016, the band suddenly released a new album that had contributions posthumously from one of the members. This album actually stood as the last album for the band, the members of which were moving quickly in different directions.
Master P
New Orleans native Master P began on his own, with no label, just a Short Dog did. However, he wasn't just interested in getting around the need for labels. He wanted to make his own label.
By the late 90s, he had accomplished his goal by turning No Limit Records into a tremendous empire. He went further to build his brand by making the albums he released some of the best designed in the industry.
After making millions, Master P announced his retirement with a farewell album. However, a mere 16 months later he was back with another album and has contributed half a dozen more since then.
Mase
Mase rose rapidly into popularity with 3 gold or platinum singles right off the bat. Therefore, it was very surprising when he announced that his next full-length album would be his last. This album didn’t do nearly as well as the first, but this isn't why he claimed he was retiring.
Instead, he planned to become a Christian pastor and leave the music business in general. In fact, he was back in a few years with a sample single Welcome Back Carter. However, a new album he had intended to create never came into being, leaving his return to the music industry steeped insults from other artists.
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