Israeli pop power duo Static & Ben El will be parting ways after a highly successful seven-year run together, rapper Static announced on his Instagram account on Thursday.
"Loved ones, friends, dear audience, our family. It's time for us to sort out all the rumors and mess you've heard. We both decided it was time for each of us to go our own way. This amazing project called Static & Ben El completely changed our lives," wrote Static, whose real name is Liraz Russo, to his more than 600,000 followers.
"From two kids with a dream to the musical group of the decade, millions of views, thousands of performances in Israel and abroad and truly satisfying work and a dream that has come true, all thanks to you. So first of all, a huge thank you from us to you. This decision was not easy but it is not new either, we still love each other very much and of course we will support each other in everything.
We feel that this project has run its course musically and we each want to explore ourselves individually and bring you new music that breaks boundaries, just like we did seven years ago. Of course, all scheduled performances will take place as usual and any other commitment will be fulfilled to the best of our ability. We love you a lot, we are not going anywhere. See you on our new endeavor."
The breakup comes against the backdrop of singer Ben El Tavori's widely publicized personal conflict with his ex-partner and mother of his child Ortal Amar.
About three months ago, Static & Ben El's management informed the latter that they expected him to resolve his personal issues and that they would not be able to continue like this for long.
Over the past week, Tavori's personal life and his relationship with his ex grabbed headlines after recordings of him hurling invective at her surfaced. The backlash from the incident made the musical duo's breakup a matter of time.
The managers of the two informed Tavori that the duo was breaking up, which infuriated him and affected his personal relationship with Static.
The power duo, who have signed a record deal with global music entertainment company Saban Music Group, was set to release several songs in English in a bid to promote their international career, but Thursday's announcement has put the project into question.
The record label prefers to stick to working with Static alone amid Tavori's latest controversy.
Sources familiar with the details told Ynet that Tavori's actions have "cost the duo millions" and that the "massive backlash following Ben El's conduct left them with no other choice."
The duo began their shared journey in 2015, having both featured on rapper Ron Nesher's hit single Dubi Gal. The two teamed up with producer Yarden "Jordi" Peleg and began churning out top-charting hits in quick succession, becoming one of the hottest names in Israeli music.