In a surprising turn of events, Kanye West has hinted at retiring from the music industry, only to announce a new collaboration shortly after. On July 9, rapper Rich the Kid shared a now-deleted Instagram story revealing a text from Kanye stating, “I am retiring from professional music.” This announcement came as a shock to fans, especially given Kanye’s ongoing legal battles and the recent turbulence in his career.
Rich the Kid expressed disbelief, replying, “Retire? Why? How? The ppl NEED you… maybe some time to chill but retiring ain’t it.” However, just as the rumor began to circulate, Kanye took to X/Twitter, humorously dispelling the retirement news by promoting his upcoming collaboration on Rich the Kid’s album “Life’s a Gamble.” The track “Plain Jane” is set to drop on July 19, highlighting Kanye’s knack for stirring up buzz and keeping fans on their toes.
The Troubled Vultures Trilogy
Kanye’s potential retirement is just one of many hurdles he faces. His Vultures trilogy, a collaboration with Ty Dolla $ign, has been plagued by delays and legal issues. Despite the first album, “Vultures 1,” topping the Billboard Hot 100 and winning acclaim at the BET Awards, the trilogy’s future remains uncertain.
The second album, “Vultures 2,” has yet to see the light of day, with leaks and legal disputes causing continuous setbacks. Earlier this year, “Vultures 1” was temporarily removed from Spotify and Apple Music due to a conflict with its distributor, FUGA. The album was eventually reinstated on Spotify, but the series’ continuation is still in limbo.
Adding to the drama, Kanye and Ty Dolla $ign (together known as ¥$) have announced a listening experience for “Vultures 2” in Korea on August 23, raising hopes among fans. However, given the project’s turbulent history, whether the trilogy will conclude this year remains to be seen.
Kanye’s Everlasting Impact
Despite his controversies, Kanye West’s influence on the music industry is undeniable. His collaborations, such as those with Ty Dolla $ign, continue to push creative boundaries and captivate audiences. Even amidst rumors of retirement and ongoing legal battles, Kanye’s ability to generate excitement and maintain relevance showcases his enduring impact on pop culture.
Fans are left to wonder if Kanye’s retirement was a clever marketing strategy or a genuine consideration. For now, they can look forward to his upcoming projects and hope for the completion of the highly anticipated Vultures trilogy.