The Vultures were hovering on Wednesday after Kanye West suggested he is ready to retire from the music industry. 

The pioneering rapper helped redefine hip-hop throughout the 2000's and 2010's,but his legacy has been tarnished by allegations of antisemitism and his vocal support of controversial former US President Donald Trump. 

West,47,is expected to release Vultures 2,the second of three planned albums with Ty Dolla Sign,later this year.

But a recently published text conversation - purportedly between West and fellow rapper Rich The Kid - suggests he is ready to throw in the towel on his 20-year career in music. 

News of his potential withdrawal from public life prompted an inevitably mixed response across social media,with die-hard fans urging him to continue while others expressed relief at West's possible retirement.

West has two Diamond certified songs — 2007's Stronger and 2011's N***as in Paris featuring Jay-Z — and all 10 of his albums have been at least certified Gold

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