Jay Z has resorted to taking to social media to defend Tidal, his music streaming service that has been getting a lot of backlash in the media since its inception.
The service got a star-studded launch, with Jay Z’s wife, Beyonce, Rihanna, Daft Punk, Madonna, Kanye West and more showing up to back it.
Using the hasthag “#TidalFacts,” Jay Z warned fans of a series of tweets he would be posting about the music service when he first wrote, “Stream of consciousness coming in 5, 4, 3, 2…”
He started off assuring, “Tidal is doing just fine. We have over 770,000 subs. We have been in business less than one month. #TidalFacts,” reminding that large companies weren’t “built in a day.”
He went on to ask customers to “give us a chance” amidst other companies “spending millions on a smear campaign” to devalue them.
The “Tom Ford” rapper went on to address the criticism about consumers paying for the service so that that the “rich get richer.”
“Equity values... YouTube $390 billion. Apple $760 billion. Spotify $8 billion. Tidal $60 million,” he wrote.
He ended it with, "We are human (even Daft Punk ha). We aren't perfect - but we are determined. #TidalFacts."
Tidal is doing just fine. We have over 770,000 subs. We have been in business less than one month. #TidalFacts
— Mr. Carter (@S_C_) April 26, 2015
The iTunes Store wasn't built in a day. It took Spotify 9 years to be successful…
— Mr. Carter (@S_C_) April 26, 2015
We are here for the long haul. Please give us a chance to grow & get better. #TidalFacts
— Mr. Carter (@S_C_) April 26, 2015
There are many big companies that are spending millions on a smear campaign. We are not anti-anyone, we are pro-artist & fan. #TidalFacts
— Mr. Carter (@S_C_) April 26, 2015
We made Tidal for fans. We have more than just music. We have video, exclusive concerts, tickets for events early, live sports!...
— Mr. Carter (@S_C_) April 26, 2015
….Tidal is where artists can give their fans more without the middlemen. #TidalFacts
— Mr. Carter (@S_C_) April 26, 2015
Indie artists who want to work directly w/ us keep 100% of their music. "If you don't want the CEOs all in the videos" haa #tidalfacts
— Mr. Carter (@S_C_) April 26, 2015
Tidal pays 75% royalty rate to ALL artists, writers and producers - not just the founding members on stage.
— Mr. Carter (@S_C_) April 26, 2015
Rich getting richer? Equity values... YouTube $390 billion. Apple $760 billion. Spotify $8 billion. Tidal $60 million. #TidalFacts
— Mr. Carter (@S_C_) April 26, 2015
My cousin just moved to Nigeria to discover new talent. Tidal is a global company.
— Mr. Carter (@S_C_) April 26, 2015
We have Tidal X - it supports artists by giving them a platform to connect with their most loyal fans. Tidal is for all. #Tidalfacts
— Mr. Carter (@S_C_) April 26, 2015
image courtesy of Jennifer Graylock/INFphoto.com