Lil Wayne used his trip to SXSW in Austin, Texas to tell fans something they’ve known for a long time: He’s retiring after his next solo album.
The rapper teased long ago that he would say goodbye after he released Tha Carter V . Although he’ll no doubt assist folks with their own endeavors, Lil Wayne said his next record is probably his last solo endeavor.
According to The Huffington Post , the rapper intends to take a much-needed break after his next album is all wrapped up and sitting pretty on retail shelves. Lil Wayne revealed this info during a chat with Elliott Wilson at the annual music and film festival.
“I’m approaching it like it is my last project, and I think that’s why it’s a lot different than everything else. That’s why I think the grind is different. I’m working harder. I’m approaching it a whole lot different. I’m approaching it as if you don’t have tomorrow,” Lil Wayne explained during his interview.
However, just because the rapper is saying goodbye to his career as a solo artist doesn’t mean he’s going to stop working. In addition to helping out people he’s signed to Young Money Entertainment, Lil Wayne said his “jail journal” will soon hit bookstores. Don’t call it retirement — the raper is simply shifting his focus to other areas for the moment.
It’s honestly hard to believe anyone when they talk about retirement these days. Everyone from Anthony Hopkins to Jackie Chan have played the retirement card at one point or another. Jimmy Kimmel even poked fun at Lil Wayne not too long ago about his decision to hang it up after Tha Carter V .
“Will this be a real retirement or one of your usual retirements, or a rap retirement when you make 12 albums after that. I mean Tupac died and he’s still making albums,” the late night talk show host joked.
Is there anything that could convince Lil Wayne to record one more album? According to Pitchfork , the rapper would return to the studio one more time if someone tossed around $30 million in his general direction. Everyone has their price, especially when you owe millions to the federal government.
“It seems like it’d be impossible for me to work this hard again for anything else,” Lil Wayne explained.
Are you looking forward to Tha Carter V ? Do you think Lil Wayne will really retire his solo career after the album is finally available to the masses?
[Image via Fanart.tv ]