US rapper Bow Wow has announced he is retiring from music, saying he just doesn’t see himself rapping as a 30-year-old.
The 29-year-old found fame at the age of 13 as Lil’ Bow Wow, but has lately been going by his real name, Shad Moss.
He said in a series of posts to Twitter on Sunday and Monday that his final album will be the upcoming “NYLTH”. He did not give a date for the release.
“I always said I’d retire from music before 30,” the musician tweeted. “I just can’t see myself at 30 years old rapping.
“Made over 20 million off rap. Why be greedy? I’m good with everything I accomplished. I made it to the White House,” added the Ohio-born rapper.
As Lil' Bow Wow, the musician released his first album Beware of the Dog in 2000. He has also launched a career as an actor, appearing in movies such as Madea's Big Happy Family and the TV crime series CSI:Cyber.
He said on Twitter he planned to focus on acting in the future and is also producing two TV shows.
More than a decade on from his biggest hit (Like You with Ciara in October 2005), news of Moss' retirement was met with indifference, amusement, and in some cases cruelty on social media.
“Nothing like landing 12 hours later on your way to surprise your daughter at camp and she has no clue,” he tweeted on Monday evening.
At 46, Jay-Z is likely the oldest most successful rapper, though he does seem to be putting more of his energy into business pursuits such as his streaming service, Tidal, than music. Kanye West turns 40 next year.
– Guardian Service
