Jay-Z Is ‘Absolutely Not Dropping an Album,’ Cash Cobain Says
After an eight-year hiatus since his last solo album, 4:44, Jay-Z fans are buzzing with anticipation over rumors of new music. Longtime collaborator Memphis Bleek recently hinted that Jay-Z is back in the studio, teasing fans with promises of fresh verses. Adding fuel to the fire, artist Cash Cobain claimed that Jay-Z is preparing to release music that will “shake the world.” However, Cash recently backtracked on his claim and now says Jay-Z is “absolutely not” prepping for a new album. Here’s what’s going on.
Is Jay-Z releasing new music in 2025? Cash Cobain says ‘absolutely not’
Rumors of Jay-Z releasing new music in 2025 have been circulating heavily on social media and hip-hop news outlets. According to longtime collaborator Memphis Bleek, the rap mogul has been spotted in recording sessions and is reportedly working on tracks that could mark a major return to the studio. Fans have been dissecting cryptic Instagram posts, interviews, and subtle hints from Roc Nation artists, sparking speculation that Jay-Z may drop a surprise single or even a full album later this year.
On Sept. 3, 2025, Bronx-born rapper Cash Cobain added fuel to the fire by discussing what he “heard” about Jay-Z releasing new music. “I heard Jay-Z about to drop some s***. That’s what I heard,” Cash said on Billboard Unfiltered Live. “That’s about to shake the world.”
Unfortunately for Jay-Z fans, Cash just backtracked on those claims. He took to X to tell fans that he spoke to Jay-Z on the phone, and the prolific rapper denied that he had new music in the works.
“When I was on the phone with Hov, he said that he is absolutely not dropping an album,” Cash posted with six laughing-crying emojis. “That messed me up tho.”
Some fans don’t think Jay-Z will ‘ever’ drop another solo album
Jay-Z’s most recent solo album, 4:44, released in June 2017, marked a deeply personal and critically acclaimed chapter in his career. The album, celebrated for its introspective lyrics and mature themes, addressed topics such as infidelity, legacy, fatherhood, and financial empowerment, solidifying Jay-Z’s reputation as both a lyrical innovator and cultural commentator. Featuring collaborations with Beyoncé, Damian Marley, and Frank Ocean, 4:44 debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and earned widespread praise for its honesty and production quality.
Fans on Reddit would love to see Jay-Z drop another album. However, many fans remain hopeless that that time will ever come.
“Unless something significant happens in his life like it did with 4:44, I don’t think he will ever drop a solo album again,” one fan on Reddit assumed.
“Nah, I’ve lost hope [to be honest],” another fan commented, noting that it’s been nearly a decade since the release of 8 4:44.
“I would love a Hov album, but it’s been eight years since his last,” yet another fan noted. “I no longer have high hopes.”
Hov admitted he wasn’t ‘actively making music’ back in 2022
Jay-Z discussed retirement in 2022. At the time, he noted that he didn’t want to say he’d ever truly retire. However, he admitted that he wasn’t “actively making music.”
“I don’t know what happens next,” he said on the Peacock talk show Hart to Heart with Kevin Hart. “I’m not actively making music, or making an album, or have plans to make an album. But I never want to say I’m retired. It’s a gift, and who am I to shut it off? It’s open to whatever.”
As for his previous retirement announcement, he told Hart that he “just needed a break” at the time. “I was really burnt out at that time,” he continued. “I was releasing an album every year — ’96, ’97, ’98. And in between that, soundtracks, other people’s albums, Roc A Fella, touring, back to back. I just looked up one day, and I was tired.”
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