Jay-Z and Kevin Hart Talk About His Retirement: “I’m Just Going To Leave It Open”

In a recent interview with Kevin Hart for the second season of the comedian’s show, Hart to Heart, Jay-Z talked about the direction of his music career and if he views himself as retired. The renowned rapper also discussed his initial attempt at retirement following the release of The Black Album.

Jay replied, “Nah, I tried that,” referring to his 2003 album, The Black Album, which was touted as Jay- Z’s last effort before retirement, in response to Hart’s direct inquiry about if he was retiring.

He talked about that period of his career.: “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.”

Jay Speaks On His Career’s Future

Regarding his career’s future, Jay acknowledged that he isn’t currently creating any music and doesn’t have any plans for a new album, but he claims he is uncomfortable with the notion of calling himself entirely retired.

“I don’t know what happens next,” he stated. “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.”

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