Bad Boy artist Mase has announced his retirement from the world of hip hop. According to his management [magic Johnson], he has turned his life over to God and is basically 'Born Again'. This means Mase will no longer record any new music nor perform unless it is a spoken word engagement. Mase's decision goes into effect immediately.

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What makes this interesting is the fact that Mase will still be promoting his album entitled Double Up which is due out in June. I'm not sure if his new album contains explicit material that will go against his Christian beliefs, but if so, how will he reconcile this offensive material with his commitment to God? Isn't that his whole point for retiring? If he's not going to perform or record music why is he going to be out and about promoting his album? Let us hope this isn't a cheap marketing ploy. In any case, we wish Mase much success and we're happy to see this self proclaimed thug turn a new leaf in life.

In slightly related news, MC Hammer should be re-entering the Hip Hop arena real soon. We reported a couple of months back that he was gonna be dropping a new album. Now it's official. Apparently he will be releasing the songs he recorded with 2Pac when he was signed to Death Row.. [Y'all remember when Hammer was with Death Row?]. What will be interesting is which of the songs he recorded with Pac will he allow out. He recorded this one cut with 2Pac and Big Daddy Kane which was the absolute bomb. Folks was set to start playing it when Hammer reclaimed the dats and CDs he had issued. At the time, he said he felt the subject matter was foul and contradictory to his religious beliefs. In the song they rap about how they could seduce another man's woman. I remember asking Hammer if I could have a personal copy just to listen to but he remained steadfast in his decision. He did not want the material out. It wasn't too long afterwards that he recorded his double gospel album 'Family Affair'. He also founded our station's World Hit Gospel Show. We'll keep you updated on the return of Hammer and I'll try and get and answer to this question should he release the Big Daddy Kane and 2Pac cut.