BREAKING NEWS: Kanye West announces retirement from music

According to Rich the Kid, the rapper/producer, 47, has supposedly announced his retirement from music, though it's not clear what exactly that entails or if the decision is permanent.

In a since-deleted screenshot of a text conversation posted by Rich the Kid, 31, on Tuesday, July 9, West (now known professionally as Ye) wrote:

Rich the Kid responded with frustration,

Kanye's troubles began in 2022 when his anti-Semitic comments caused widespread backlash. Despite his recent independent album "Vultures" performing well on streaming platforms, Kanye is allegedly considering leaving the music scene.

Kanye's fashion ventures also suffered after being dropped by major brands, including Balenciaga, Gap, and Adidas.

The termination of his Adidas deal in October 2022 was especially damaging. Adidas ended the collaboration under pressure from customers, stating:

Touring has been another hurdle for Kanye, with many venues refusing to host his performances. His listening parties for "Vultures" saw poor attendance, and he faced criticism for not performing live, instead opting to dance along to tracks from the album.

Many of Kanye's properties have been neglected, including his Malibu beach house, which he gutted and left without doors or windows. As Kanye's empire appears to be in decline, fans and industry insiders are watching closely to see if he can rebound or if this marks the end of an era for the influential artist.

The hip hop community is buzzing with speculation about Kanye's potential retirement. Some fans are hopeful for a comeback, while others fear this may be a permanent farewell. The uncertainty surrounding Kanye's career leaves many questions, but his impact on music and culture remains unquestionable.

Source People: Kanye West Is Retiring from 'Professional Music,' Says Rich the Kid
Source Marca: Kanye West in crisis: Yeezy orders halt and lawsuits pile up