Bow Wow Announces Retirement from Rap

Bow Wow is hanging up the mic.

On Sunday (Aug. 7), Shad Moss announced his retirement from rap following his next album, NYLTH.

“Retirement only means that it is time for a new adventure,” he wrote on Twitter. “Over 10 million sold. This the last one. THANK YOU for the musical journey!”

"Retirement only means that it is time for a new adventure" over 10 million sold. This the last one. THANK YOU pic.twitter.com/XnWldHxYrB

— Bow Wow (@smoss) August 7, 2016

According to the 29-year-old, this is something he’s been wanting to do for a long time. “I always said years ago i’d retire from music before 30,” he added. “I just cant see myself at 30 years old rapping.”

"I always said years ago i'd retire from music before 30. I just cant see myself at 30 years old rapping" pic.twitter.com/U7Fs4R6WMf

— Bow Wow (@smoss) August 7, 2016

Later, on Instagram, he added that he is “NOT coming back wearing the 4-5” and clarified that “ITS OVER.” The “4-5” refers to Michael Jordan’s No. 45 jersey, which he wore after coming back from retirement.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BIzTld9AuB4/

In another post, he confirmed that his next album will be titled NYLTH and that it will be executive produced by the man who discovered him as a six-year-old: Snoop Dogg.

“NYLTH 💿 coming soon executive produced by Snoop Dogg and I,” he wrote. “(Movie comes w/ Album) #thisthelastone #closingthechapter #retiringbefore30wasmyvision.”

Moss has released six solo albums, including his debut Beware of Dog, which he dropped in 2000 as a 13-year-old. Back then, he went by Lil Bow Wow. His last album was 2009’s New Jack City II.

That year, he also claimed that album would be his final effort. “There’s nothing more that I want to accomplish that I haven’t seen yet,” he said. “It’s time for me to move on and become Bow Wow the actor, Bow Wow the businessman.”

So far, Bow Wow has acted on several TV programs and movies, including “Moesha,” “The Steve Harvey Show,” Like Mike and All About the Benjamins. He most recently starred in “CSI: Cyber” until the show was canceled earlier this year.