Just over a decade on from launching his career with smash single "Tuesday," ILOVEMAKONNEN has announced his retirement from music.
On Instagram today, the influential Atlanta rapper and singer shared that he's "retiring ILoveMakonnen" and that recent single "Heavy in the Streets" will stand as his "last song."
"Thank you all for ur support and interests over the years. It's time I move on and go live my life," he shared, writing in the caption of his post, "Thank you for being [a part] of my musical journey! ❤️ see u in the streets filled with art."
Born in Los Angeles, Makonnen held dreams of creative pursuits long before moving to Atlanta at 13, following the divorce of his parents. After the fatal accidental shooting of a friend, he would be found guilty of involuntary manslaughter and sentenced to five years' probation.
While on house arrest, Makonnen started a blog where he interviewed artists including Lil B and Miguel, and began making music of his own. Upon completing his sentence, he attended cosmetology school — a pursuit that inspired the mannequin head featured on the cover of his 2014 self-titled debut EP and future releases.
Featuring production from Sonny Digital and Metro Boomin, the EP was highlighted by singles "I Don't Sell Molly No More" and "Club Goin' Up on a Tuesday," the latter of which was remixed by Drake. The wider success of the remix, retitled "Tuesday," led to Makonnen signing with OVO Sound, and re-releasing the EP via the Canadian's imprint later that year.
In April 2016, Makonnen shared he had parted ways with OVO Sound, and, the following year, came out as gay. His post-OVO years saw him release debut full-length My Parade, and continue building his catalogue of mixtapes and EPs.
Across his career, Makonnen worked with Santigold, Lil B, Father, Fall Out Boy, Mike Will Made-It, Pussy Riot, Rae Sremmurd, Steve Aoki, 21 Savage, Yung Lean, Key!, Rome Fortune and more. His long-awaited collaborative album with the late Lil Peep, Diamonds, arrived last year.
We wish Makonnen all the best in retirement. Find his announcement and "Heavy in the Streets" below.