T.I. has claimed he will retire from performing later this year.
During an appearance on 96.1 The Beat’s Rari at 2 show on Thursday, hosts Ferrari Simmons and BT thanked the rapper for agreeing to appear at the radio station’s annual Jingle Ball concert in Atlanta, Georgia on 19 December.
However, T.I. – real name Clifford Harris – went on to indicate that the gig will be his last live performance.
“I appreciate y’all for offering me my last working gig because I do not need the money anymore and I will not be performing,” he declared. “I don’t want to do it anymore… I don’t want people to pay me to hop around and sweat for their entertainment anymore.”
In response, fellow guest Young Dro joked that he would happily pick up any of T.I.’s shows.
“I will be picking up all of Tip’s shows that he ain’t going to. Doing them all,” he laughed.
Ferrari then asked T.I. whether he was going to “do” something for another event and the artist insisted he would only ever take to the stage again on his own terms.
“Of course, I’m going to answer the phone to tell them that I will not be performing,” the 44-year-old insisted.
Previously, T.I. announced that his upcoming 12th album, titled Kill the King, would be his final solo record. A potential release date has not yet been confirmed.
T.I.’s comments come weeks after he and his wife, Tameka ‘Tiny’ Harris, won $71 million (£53 million) following a legal battle against a toy manufacturer.
The Jingle Ball will be held at the State Farm Arena. Other stars set to appear include T-Pain, Saweetie, Khalid, and Tinashe.
