Clifford Joseph Harris Jr (T.I) has officially announced his retirement from performing live music. His decision to step away from live performances was revealed during an interview on Atlanta’s 96.1 The Beat.

T.I.’s last show will be at 96.1 The Beat’s Jingle Ball holiday concert on December 19, 2024, in Atlanta. This event will feature several artists including Sexyy Red, T-Pain, Saweetie, The Kid Laroi, Khalid, and Tinashe.

T.I. stated, “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. This suggests that financial independence plays a significant role in his decision, allowing him to retire from the strenuous aspect of live performances. There’s been a mix of reactions online, with some fans expressing disbelief or sadness over his retirement, while others speculate that his recent financial windfall from a lawsuit might be influencing his decision. T.I. and his wife, Tiny, won a $71 million lawsuit against MGA Entertainment, which could be contributing to this new found financial freedom.

Although T.I. is retiring from live performances, this does not necessarily mean he is retiring from music entirely. His comments primarily focus on not wanting to perform live but do not exclude other forms of musical involvement like producing, writing, or even recording new music. T.I. has had a storied career, facing legal issues, but also making significant contributions to social justice and community work. His decision to retire from performing might also reflect a broader life transition or a desire to focus on other aspects of his life and career.

This retirement marks the end of an era for fans of T.I., known for his significant influence in hip-hop, especially within the trap music genre. His decision seems to be a culmination of achieving a level of financial security and perhaps a personal desire to move away from the spotlight of live entertainment.

J. Cole has recently addressed his involvement in the beef with Drake and Kendrick Lamar through his new track, where he metaphorically describes stepping back from the conflict, suggesting he has removed himself from the direct confrontation between Drake and Kendrick Lamar.

He uses the metaphor of his friends going to war while he walks away marked by their figurative blood, indicating that he’s disengaged from the ongoing feud but not without some impact or involvement initially.

This stance was revealed in a new song released on October 9, 2024, where Cole reflects on pulling out of the lyrical battle between Drake and Kendrick, showcasing a desire to distance himself from the feud.

“I pulled the plug because I seen where that was about to go, they wanted blood, they wanted clicks to make they pockets grow”

“I wouldn’t have lost the battle, dog, I would’ve lost a bro, I would’ve gained a foe, and all for what?”

“Jermaine is no king, if that means I gotta dig up dirt and pay the whole team of algorithm bot n*****s just to sway the whole thing on social media, competing for ya favorable memes”

This move comes after months of back-and-forth between Drake and Kendrick, with Cole initially engaging but later choosing to step back, possibly to maintain his artistic integrity or avoid further escalation of the conflict.

Jennifer Hudson performed a tribute to Whitney Houston during the American Music Awards 50th Anniversary Special which aired on October 6, 2024. This special was part of the celebration of the AMAs’ 50-year history, featuring various tributes and performances.

Hudson’s tribute included songs associated with Houston, notably performing “I Loves You, Porgy” and “I Will Always Love You,” dressed in a manner reminiscent of Houston during one of her iconic performances. The tribute was introduced by Samuel L. Jackson, highlighting Houston’s significant impact on music and her legendary performance at the 1994 AMAs where she won eight (8) awards.

This event was not only a celebration of Houston’s career but also marked her influence on Hudson and many others in the music industry. The AMAs have taken a year off from their regular schedule and will return in May 2025, but this special served as a bridge, honoring past achievements and performances.