Retirement announcement an 'embarrassment', says Jay-Z

American rap mogul JAY Z is embarrassed by his announcement to retire from the music industry.

The hip hop star, 36, celebrated his "retirement" with a gig at Madison Square Gardens in New York City four years ago.

The concert later became the centre-piece of documentary film 'Fade To Black' - and Jay cannot bear to watch it.

"I want to never say that again...people looking at me like: 'Please shut up.'," said Jay-Z.

"I was looking at 'Fade To Black' the other day. I was embarrassed... I'm not playing with you. I had to turn it off. I was cringing."

His new album 'American Gangster' is released later this year. It will be his second album release since his retirement.