Normally when you think about someone putting down the mic and retiring from the game you probably envision a pioneer who has made some of the greatest contributions and music known to Hip-Hop right? Well, Bow Wow has recently announced his decision to retire from rap, stating that his many accolades have been the driving force in his choice.

Bow Wows latest album New Jack City Pt. 2 debuted last week on the Billboards Top 20 charts and is said to be his final release.

"This is my last album because for me, there's no more that needs to be done on the music side, I've done everything," Bow explained. "And the scary thing is I'm 22 years old and I'm young. I'm still a baby, so it's kinda like on the music side, I've been doing it since five. That's 17 years of non-stop music, music, music. There's nothing more to accomplish that I haven't seen yet...I feel like now it's time to endure a new challenge...Close the chapter on the Bow Wow legacy...As far as albums, I'm good. Seven albums at 22, that's crazy." He told Real Talk NY

There has been much buzz surrounding the reason for his retirement stating that it has been due to his less than impressive record sells. Any truth in this; who knows? But Im willing to guess that if there is another reason, it will get out soon enough. So what will Bow Wow do next? The rapper recently announced the launch of a new clothing line, and with a few movies under his belt, Im sure acting will be a new way to occupy his time.

He told radio personality Jenny Boom Boom this: "Now, times are harder for parents to go to the mall if they got two kids or three kids and try to buy three pairs of Jordans -- I felt it was my responsibility to cater to them and put something in the market place affordable for all people," Bow Wow said in an interview. "So that's my way of giving back to my fans and the community. Same quality as a Jordan sneaker, it only cost $26 to make a Jordan shoe, period -- right now, it's Prince Bow which is me. I'm the prince of hip-hop and everyone calls me Bow anyway, so it's Prince Bow."

Prince of Hip-Hop? Well, Im not sure about that self proclaimed title but he has most definitely accomplished a lot in his tender age of 22, including being the youngest solo rapper to hit # 1 on the U.S. charts.  I wish Bow Wow much success in his future endeavors, but unfortunately this is one retirement I dont think many are going to be upset about.