Jay-Z will never retire from music. Image Source: EW

Jay-Z will never retire from music.

Jay-Z, during an appearance on Kevin Hart’s new episode of the talk show Hart to Heart, revealed that although his plans are up in the air, he’d never say that he is retired from music.

He stated that he is unsure of his plans, but even though he isn't currently recording new music or albums or planning to do so, he will never declare himself to be retired because music is a gift that he has, and who is he to close that door and declare that he isn't going there any longer? Instead, he said that he'd say that "it's open to whatever." He went on to say that it might take on a new shape, might be interpreted differently, might not be an album, might be, he does not know, but he is keeping that door open.

In addition to their collaborative album, Everything is Love, which was released in 2018, Jay-Z and Beyonce also embarked on the Run II tour. 2017 saw the release of "4:44," their most recent album. When Jay-Z previously announced his retirement in 2003, his The Black Album was released, and a celebration was held at Madison Square Garden. Despite this, he continued to collaborate with artists like Linkin Park, and in 2006 and 2007 he eventually broke his retirement with the albums "Kingdom Come" and "American Gangster."

Regarding the 2003 event, Jay-Z informed Kevin that calling his break a retirement was a horrible idea and that he simply needed a break. Jay-Z revealed that he had been releasing an album every year, along with soundtracks, other people's records, Roc-A-Fella, and back-to-back tours, at the time, and that he was burned out. He added that he just recalled feeling exhausted and realized that he had never had a vacation.

During the interview, Jay-Z talked about his feature collaborations with Kevin Hart. Despite his unrivaled reputation in the rap business, he admitted that he doesn't charge musicians for his feature verses and that he usually picks duets based on his friendship with the vocalist. He stressed that this has always been the case, but occasionally skill has also played a role.

Jay-Z added that pretty much every song that he is on, he is asked to be on and he does not ask people to be on their songs and revealed that he never charges for the feature collaborations. When asked how many features he rejects, Jay-Z acknowledged there are "far more no's than yes's." He said that he tries to be straight up and occasionally, it falls between the gaps. Sometimes he wants to do something, but because of where his life is at or the fact that he is moving, he can't. However, Jay-Z added that he generally strives to be honest with others.

During the conversation with Kevin Hart, Jay-Z also spoke about how becoming a father has helped him change his perspective and career. He said that time is all one has and one can only control how one spends their time, adding to it. Jay-Z mentions that individuals are reckless with their time and are just all over the place. He continued that every time someone spends a second of their time away from the kids, they should know that they are spending time away from the development of the children that they chose to bring into the world and love them more than anything in this world. Jay-Z added that this thought changed his approach to his career.

Jay-Z with daughter Blue Ivy. Image Source: Page Six 

Jay-Z's comments on being a parent reminded the audience of Beyonce's comments in her documentary which echoed the same sentiments where she explained that while she was preparing for the 2018 Coachella performance, she had given birth to the twins and wanted to be at home with them. She added that what people fail to see is the sacrifice an artist has to make, before stating that she would dance and go off to the trailer and breastfeed her children, and on the days she could, she brought them to the rehearsals.

Jay-Z has stayed occupied throughout the years with a variety of business ventures.The father of three was named the first billionaire in hip-hop by Forbes in 2019. His wealth includes the 2008-founded entertainment organization Roc Nation as well as his Armand de Brignac champagne and D'Ussé cognac.

Season two of Kevin Hart’s Hart to Heart is streaming on Peacock.