Kanye West’s Record Contract Allegedly Prevents Him From Ever Retiring

Kanye West is fighting against a contract that legally prevents him from ever retiring.

The rapper is attempting to free himself from a deal with the label EMI, which he signed in 2003, arguing it is “lopsided” and he has been underpaid. He’s also said that it is a violation of California law to keep anyone locked into a personal service contract for more than seven years.

He has signed five extensions with the label since signing in 2003, but his lawyers argue they should not count since 2010.

Kanye’s lawsuit states that under the terms of his contract he must “remain actively involved in writing, recording and producing” songs and albums.

The contract reportedly adds: “At no time during the term will you seek to retire as a songwriter, recording artist or producer or take any extended hiatus during which you are not actively pursuing your musical career in the same basic manner as you have pursued such career to date.”

The lawsuit argues that “from EMI’s point of view, the terms of this contract has no end in sight”.

• Kanye West