bbno$ breaks silence on whether his music ‘retirement’ is serious

Canadian rapper bbno$ has opened up about his recent announcement that he is stepping away from music, saying persistent online negativity pushed him to reconsider his career and personal well-being.

The artist, best known for upbeat hits such as Lalala and Edamame, sparked widespread reaction after posting a viral message on December 8 that read, “Thank you for the memories,” which many fans interpreted as a formal retirement from music.

In a follow-up statement, bbno$ framed the decision in his signature tongue-in-cheek style, writing that he was stepping back “for the foreseeable future” after people online repeatedly told him to stop making music.

While the tone of the post left room for interpretation, bbno$ addressed the situation more directly during a December 15 appearance on the Fear& podcast. Speaking with the show’s hosts, he said the constant criticism directed at him, and even at his fans, had become overwhelming.

“I’ve just been bullied online,” he said, describing himself as someone who tries to maintain a positive presence. According to the rapper, fans frequently message him about struggling with the negativity surrounding his name, which ultimately made him question whether continuing was worth the emotional toll.

Over the past year, bbno$ has faced increased scrutiny on social media, with detractors criticizing his humor and public persona. More recently, claims circulated online alleging racially charged remarks from his past, though these allegations have not been publicly addressed by the artist.

On the podcast, bbno$ suggested that stepping away felt like reclaiming control over his life. He emphasized that the decision was not driven by a single incident, but by an accumulation of pressure that made him want distance from the spotlight.

“I don’t have a normal life,” he said. “I have free will. I can do whatever I want.”

Despite the announcement, bbno$ stopped short of confirming a permanent exit from music. He said he is considering taking most of the coming year off to focus on personal goals, including buying a home and settling into a more private routine.

The discussion marks the latest moment to go viral involving the rapper, who has remained active in online creator spaces through collaborations with streamers and appearances at major internet culture events.

Whether his break turns into a full retirement remains uncertain, but for now, bbno$ says he is prioritizing himself over the noise.