Jay Z offers perspective on Tidal’s early struggles
Last week was a rough one for Tidal. Several media outlets pointed to the fact that the Swedish streaming service–purchased by Jay Z in January, and re-launched with the help of several high profile superstars in March–was “failing,” and had dropped out of the Apple App Store 750, while other services like Spotify, Beats Music and Pandora experienced surges.
Despite the marquee roll-out, the Nicki Minaj, Rihanna, Beyonce and Kanye West co-signs, the exclusive content, and even the teasing of a joint Jay Z and Beyonce album exclusive to Tidal, the buzz was not translating to tangible growth.
Today, Jay Z took to Twitter–“Jay Z took to Twitter” is something rarely said more than 3 times in a year, so you know this is serious business–to remind people that the new Tidal is still very much a young company, and just like anything new, it needs time to grow. Probably the most salient point made, was the fact that while Spotify is experiencing astronomical amounts of monetary growth right now, it “took 9 years” to be successful.
It’s all very interesting, but Jay Z using his scarcely used personal Twitter account to speak out about Tidal says two things: he’s heard the rumors, but he’s ready for battle.
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
The iTunes Store wasn’t built in a day. It took Spotify 9 years to be successful…
— Mr. Carter (@S_C_) April 26, 2015
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
