While the advent of online-streaming platforms has completely changed the way we buy and listen to music, it has also shifted the balance of power behind the scenes. With Spotify, Tidal, and Apple Music all battling it out for exclusives to woo subscribers, there’s a real sense that there might not be enough room in the market for everyone.
Jay-Z launched Tidal in 2014 with the promise of fair treatment for artists; but ever since, there’s been speculation that the site hasn’t been quite the steamroller of success its founders originally hoped it would be. That said, the platform boasts a compelling roll call of supporters and exclusive albums — most notably Prince’s back catalogue — so it made sense when reports of an Apple Music buyout arose a month ago.
Yesterday however, Kanye West tweeted demands that Apple give Jay-Z a check for Tidal, indicating negotiations might not be going to plan. He called on Spotify CEO Daniel Elk, Apple CEO Tim Cook, Apple Music’s Jimmy Iovine, and Jay Z to meet with him to discuss the deal with the heroic intention of letting the “kids have the music.”
This Tidal Apple beef is fucking up the music game.
— KANYE WEST (@kanyewest) July 30, 2016
I need Tim Cook Jay Z Dez Jimmy Larry me and Drake Scooter on the phone or in a room this week!!!
— KANYE WEST (@kanyewest) July 30, 2016
Fuck all this dick swinging contest. We all gon be dead in 100 Years. Let the kids have the music.
— KANYE WEST (@kanyewest) July 30, 2016
Apple give Jay his check for Tidal now and stop trying to act like you Steve.
— KANYE WEST (@kanyewest) July 30, 2016
It is yet to be seen whether Apple will respond to his Twitter demands but if Kanye’s apparently real promise to run for President comes to fruition, the tech giant may want to consider doing so. Speaking to BBC Radio 1’s Annie Mac over the weekend, the rapper confirmed that he was — and is — very serious about his plans for office. He explained his motivations weren’t particularly political: “When I talk about the idea of being president, I’m not saying I have any political views, I don’t have views on politics, I just have a view on humanity, on people, on the truth.”
Credits
Text Briony Wright
Photography Fabien Montique