American rapper Dr. Dre, 45, has been working on and off on his latest album since 2004, has declared that he will hang up his microphone after the release of his third solo album, Detox, next year.
Admired by his musical peers, and following the success of his 2001 album in 1999, the former NWA member has focused on producing for other musicians, most notably Eminem, 50 Cent, Bishop Lamont, and Raekwon.
In an interview with XXL magazine, the musician admitted, "The only part that has been pushing me back is just the fact that I’m getting older…
"I can incorporate other artists, new artists with this record, to say some of the things I won’t say. It’s been a little tussle in that area also, just because of age and being able to identify with the younger audience."
In 2001, Dr. Dre appeared in the movies The Wash and Training Day. After the release of Detox, expected in 2011, he plans to return to his production career to nurture the next generation of rappers.