
Many believe Jay-Z will never actually retire from his rap career.
And judging from the revered mogul's latest news, that's becoming more apparent.
Last night, Live Nation spokesperson Liz Morentin-Bookasta confirmed to BV Newswire that Jay-Z has confirmed that he will headline a series of intimate performances to connect with fans as he takes a break from putting the finishing touches on his upcoming album, 'The Blueprint 3.'
Backed by a full band, the exclusive engagements begin July 3 at the Pearl in the Palms Casino in Las Vegas.
Five dates have been confirmed thus far with more to be announced.
Platinum-selling pop artist Ciara will open on select dates. Tickets are now on sale. Jay-Z, who stepped down from his presidency post at Def Jam Records in late December 2007, announced his retirement from recording in 2003.
Since then, the entrepreneur and part owner of the New Jersey Nets, has released three projects -- the last being a soundtrack companion to the blockbuster movie 'American Gangster' -- and a line of signature fragrance products. Last year, he married pop music icon Beyonce Knowles.
His most recent concert trek was last year's sold-out 'Heart of the City Tour' with Queen of Hip-Hop Soul Mary J. Blige.
JAY-Z EXCLUSIVES Tour Dates
Date City / Venue
July 3 Las Vegas, The Pearl at the Palms Casino Resort
July 4 Las Vegas, The Pearl at the Palms Casino Resort
July 7 Chicago, Charter One Pavilion at Northerly Island
July 10 Uncasville, Conn., Mohegan Sun Arena
July 12 Atlanta, Chastain Park Amphitheater
Beyonce and Jay Z
U.S. singer-actress Beyonce Knowles and hip-hop mogul Jay-Z pose for photographers before the start of the Emporio Armani's Fall/Winter 2008/09 men's collections during Milan Fashion Week, in this January 13, 2008 file photo. Jay-Z and Knowles married on April 4, 2008 in New York, People magazine reported on its Web site, citing an unidentified friend of the couple. REUTERS/Alessandro Garofalo/Files (ITALY)
Reuters
**FILE** U.S. entertainers Beyonce, right, and Jay-Z arrive to attend the Emporio Armani Fall/Winter 2008-2009 men's collection, presented in Milan, Italy, in this Jan. 13, 2008 file photo. The Web sites of celebrity magazines People and Us Weekly reported the couple married and threw a lavish but small party at the apartment Friday, citing unnamed sources who are friends with the pair. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno, File)
AP
* EXCLUSIVE * .Singer Beyonce, Rapper Jay-Z and Rapper Kanye West at the 50th Annual GRAMMY Awards at the Staples Center on February 10, 2008 in Los Angeles, California. **EXCLUSIVE**.50th Annual GRAMMY Awards - Backstage and Audience.Staples Center.Los Angeles, California United States.February 10, 2008.Photo by Kevin Mazur/WireImage.com..To license this image (15480323), contact WireImage.com
WireImage.com
Singer Beyonce, rapper Jay-Z and Michelle Williams during the Sony/BMG Grammy After Party at the Beverly Hills Hotel on February 10, 2008 in Beverly Hills, California..Sony/BMG Grammy After Party - Inside.Beverly Hills Hotel.Beverly Hills, California United States.February 10, 2008.Photo by Michael Caulfield/WireImage.com..To license this image (15479721), contact WireImage.com
WireImage.com
Singer Beyonce, rapper Jay-Z and Michelle Williams during the Sony/BMG Grammy After Party at the Beverly Hills Hotel on February 10, 2008 in Beverly Hills, California..Sony/BMG Grammy After Party - Inside.Beverly Hills Hotel.Beverly Hills, California United States.February 10, 2008.Photo by Michael Caulfield/WireImage.com..To license this image (15479717), contact WireImage.com
WireImage.com
Singer Beyonce, rapper Jay-Z and Michelle Williams during the Sony/BMG Grammy After Party at the Beverly Hills Hotel on February 10, 2008 in Beverly Hills, California..Sony/BMG Grammy After Party - Inside.Beverly Hills Hotel.Beverly Hills, California United States.February 10, 2008.Photo by Michael Caulfield/WireImage.com..To license this image (15479713), contact WireImage.com
WireImage.com
**EXCLUSIVE**.. * EXCLUSIVE * .Rapper Jay-Z, singer Beyonce and rapper Kanye West at the 50th Annual GRAMMY Awards at the Staples Center on February 10, 2008 in Los Angeles, California. **EXCLUSIVE**.50th Annual GRAMMY Awards - Backstage and Audience.Staples Center.Los Angeles, California United States.February 10, 2008.Photo by Lester Cohen/WireImage.com..To license this image (15479078), contact WireImage.com
WireImage.com
* EXCLUSIVE * .Singer Beyonce and rapper Jay-Z at the 50th Annual GRAMMY Awards at the Staples Center on February 10, 2008 in Los Angeles, California..50th Annual GRAMMY Awards - Backstage and Audience.Staples Center.Los Angeles, California United States.February 10, 2008.Photo by Lester Cohen/WireImage.com..To license this image (15479017), contact WireImage.com
WireImage.com
**EXCLUSIVE**.. * EXCLUSIVE * .Actress Solange Knowles, singer Beyonce and rapper Jay-Z at the 50th Annual GRAMMY Awards at the Staples Center on February 10, 2008 in Los Angeles, California. **EXCLUSIVE**.50th Annual GRAMMY Awards - Backstage and Audience.Staples Center.Los Angeles, California United States.February 10, 2008.Photo by Lester Cohen/WireImage.com..To license this image (15479015), contact WireImage.com
WireImage.com
**EXCLUSIVE**.. * EXCLUSIVE * .Singer Beyonce and rapper Jay-Z at the 50th Annual GRAMMY Awards at the Staples Center on February 10, 2008 in Los Angeles, California. **EXCLUSIVE**.50th Annual GRAMMY Awards - Backstage and Audience.Staples Center.Los Angeles, California United States.February 10, 2008.Photo by Lester Cohen/WireImage.com..To license this image (15478957), contact WireImage.com
WireImage.com


Comments: (17)
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By: Ralph on 5/14/2009 5:31PM
How many of todays rappers can go into the studio, listen to the beat for a few seconds, and then start spittin' the most incredible flow you have ever heard without even writing it down? Mr. Jay-Z can. Rap as long as you want to sir. I'm 44 yrs. old and remember pretty much when rap started. It will never die, but until the next Pac, Biggie, or Jay comes along we will have to deal with the mediocrity.
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By: Ms. Rika on 5/14/2009 6:44PM
Retire? Why should he retire Jay-z is one the greatest rappers ever known.If he has somehting to say then I want to hear it. Who put and age limit on how long a person has to rap. Does that mean when everyone turns forty the are no longer allowed to listen to rap?
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By: tony on 5/14/2009 8:00PM
i agree ralph i'm 44 goin on 45 and born and raised in nyc so i remeber when rap wasnt even on the radio,it was always jams in the park with electricity comin from thr lamppost
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By: ADMR on 5/16/2009 4:18PM
EXCLUSIVE Engagements
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By: Mega Boogie on 5/16/2009 5:17PM
Much Respect I second what Truth has said above Ms "DimePiece"..You have shown true charachter in reevaluating your statement.It is wonderful to see someone can hav an opinion and still allow themselves to think outside of the box.Big Up!
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By: "DimePiece" on 5/16/2009 11:30PM
Thank you, and LOL :-)
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By: Money Maker 1 on 5/17/2009 6:07AM
No I disagree with some of you all about him Not retiring.How much street tales can you tell? Your xtra grown now so why battle kids when you have already shown 1:You know how to make the loot. 2:You are only as good as your last and honestly The Blue Print needed to be pass down.You have money and ventured into big business. How about leaving a legacy! Beyonce hips are screaming give it to me!Beyonce needs to slow down all her songs are running together and the acting is C list! Take time off its not about the loot Grow YOU!
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