Every year it happens. We hear that [insert popular artist here] has decided to call it quits; they are officially out of the game. Then, usually within the next year, rumors start to appear, speaking of their return. No matter whether you are one of those who moan and groan about their second coming or rejoice, chances are that you join the general public in confusion or shock.

Most recently, the retiring artist in the spotlight has been rap mogul Jay-Z. After releasing a number of albums –many considered classics by rap critics– he announced that his illustrious career was over following the release of 2003’s mega-successful Black Album. Just when fans thought they might never hear from him again, he came out with Kingdom Come in 2006, and yet another album this year.

Most agree that the release after his first announced retirement did not live up to his previous albums, so why would Jay, and a number of other artists put themselves through this?

The love of the art. It’s what drives so many hungry artists, even years after they have established themselves as successful. Or so they would like listeners to believe. Whether or not it holds true for certain individuals is hard to determine because it is not always easily recognizable from the outside.

What is evident is that it’s difficult for any artist to initially give up what they do musically. For most artists, their status, fame, and connections were all made through their music, and the process of creating it. Of course giving that up would be no easy task, for anybody.

Others who have acquired these things have trouble giving them up as well. We see actors and sports stars follow the same trends.

Even as their movies flop, and they struggle through injuries and bad seasons, they continue doing what they know best. As in all of these cases, when the quality of the music begins to suffer, people start to wonder if it’s all about the money.

The music industry has become a business of disposable arts, meaning that the majority of record labels are quick to sign artists who will produce radio worthy singles (i.e. Soulja Boy), with career life spans shorter than Danny DeVito. In a matter of weeks it is unlikely we will ever hear of Soulja Boy again. There will be another sub-par rapper with a dance or slogan to replace him.

This is a trend that hit hip-hop the hardest, but holds truth to virtually all of the music industry. Because rap has become a struggle of marketing, many artists feel that to stay in the game they must come up with clever schemes or gimmicks to keep listeners on their toes. If you have ever found yourself getting caught up in rapper’s beef, then you have fallen victim to such plots.

Some see the solution to the “recycling” of music, as managing to go in and out of the spotlight, and present themselves differently each time.

Many would consider Jay-Z such an artist. It’s undeniable that he is a business man. He is the CEO of two record labels, and owner of a club, as well of the New Jersey Nets. Surely he is someone who thinks about music in the sense of business aspects, yet it does not seem that money is something he will ever have to worry about. This would leave most to believe that it can’t be about the dollars.

It may be that artists whose long term careers are coming to a closing feel the need to keep feeding the beast of fans hungry for high grade music to their ears.

Music, in particular rap, is complicated subject, filled with hidden motives from all sides and people looking to exploit it. Despite this, there will always be a mass following even as the older generation of musicians fades away.

On retirement Jay-Z had said, “Muhammad Ali retired three times over the course of his career.” So why not appreciate a legends last few jabs?