After multiple delays, Kanye West released his highly-touted Vultures album in February. The hip-hop star promised fans it was just the first in a trilogy, with the second due March 8. When that day arrived with no album release, West (who now goes by Ye) claimed he and Ty Dolla Sign were “still in the lab.” Now, it’s July with no sign of either record—and Kanye West is reportedly retiring from music altogether.
Rich the Kid Shares Social Media Exchange With Kanye West
On Tuesday (July 9), rapper Rich the Kid shared a screenshot of a text exchange apparently between himself and his “CARNIVAL” collaborator to his Instagram stories. “I am retiring from professional, music,” the first text reads. “Not sure what else to do.”
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Rich the Kid’s response is appropriately incredulous. “Retire? Why? How? The ppl NEED you the music you & Ty & we have made was the BIGGEST STAMP in culture to this date,” the “Too Blessed” rapper wrote.
Of course, West has been known to make off-the-cuff claims. And this wouldn’t be the first time that the 24-time GRAMMY winner went back on his word. And, not for nothing, the “New Freezer” rapper deleted the text message from his Instagram Story about a half hour after posting it.
Fans took to social media to debate the veracity of Rich the Kid’s post. Many wrote off Kanye West’s declaration as a publicity stunt. “He said ‘give me some of that kendrick attention ‘fore i drop this album,’” wrote one X/Twitter user.
Others, however, weren’t so sure. “my goat retiring with Vultures as his last album please say sike rn,” one X/Twitter user wrote.
Ye Comes Out Of Retirement: “Actually We Dropping”
It took less than an hour before Kanye West fans had whiplash again. “ACTUALLY WE DROPPING FRIDAY 7/19,” Rich the Kid wrote on X/Twitter. The “GIMME A SECOND” singer then announced his upcoming album, which drops July 19 and features Ye on the track “Plain Jane.”
Social media users responded with a mix of exasperation and amusement. “some of y’all were getting ready to start the whole Kanye West’s discography after hearing that he’s retiring,” one X/Twitter user wrote. “From The College Dropout to Vultures 1 , you guys are funny.”
Featured image by Matthias Nareyek/Getty Images)
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