Jay Z defended Tidal in a series of tweets on Sunday. The rapper and mogul addressed various criticisms of his music service, including reports claiming Tidal is struggling to gain subscribers [1]. According to Jay Z, "Tidal is doing just fine. We have over 770,000 [subscribers]." He indirectly responded to artists who have questioned Tidal's subscription fees [2], which exceed competitors Spotify's and Pandora's rates. "Rich getting richer? Equity values... YouTube $390 billion. Apple $760 billion. Spotify $8 billion. Tidal $60 million," he wrote. The tweets come less than one month after Tidal's relaunch showcase in late March. Beyoncé, Madonna, and Kanye West were among the A-list musicians who made the event seriously star-studded [3]. Read on for Jay Z's remarks, starting from the beginning.
Stream of consciousness coming in 5, 4, 3, 2… #TidalFacts [4]
— Mr. Carter (@S_C_) April 26, 2015 [5]
Tidal is doing just fine. We have over 770,000 subs. We have been in business less than one month. #TidalFacts [6]
— Mr. Carter (@S_C_) April 26, 2015 [7]
The iTunes Store wasn't built in a day. It took Spotify 9 years to be successful…
— Mr. Carter (@S_C_) April 26, 2015 [8]
We are here for the long haul. Please give us a chance to grow & get better. #TidalFacts [9]
— Mr. Carter (@S_C_) April 26, 2015 [10]
There are many big companies that are spending millions on a smear campaign. We are not anti-anyone, we are pro-artist & fan. #TidalFacts [11]
— Mr. Carter (@S_C_) April 26, 2015 [12]
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 [13]
….Tidal is where artists can give their fans more without the middlemen. #TidalFacts [14]
— Mr. Carter (@S_C_) April 26, 2015 [15]
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 [16]
— Mr. Carter (@S_C_) April 26, 2015 [17]
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 [18]
Rich getting richer? Equity values... YouTube $390 billion. Apple $760 billion. Spotify $8 billion. Tidal $60 million. #TidalFacts [19]
— Mr. Carter (@S_C_) April 26, 2015 [20]
My cousin just moved to Nigeria to discover new talent. Tidal is a global company.
— Mr. Carter (@S_C_) April 26, 2015 [21]
We have Tidal X - it supports artists by giving them a platform to connect with their most loyal fans. Tidal is for all. #Tidalfacts [22]
— Mr. Carter (@S_C_) April 26, 2015 [23]
Our actions will speak louder than words. We made Tidal to bring people the best experiences...
— Mr. Carter (@S_C_) April 26, 2015 [24]
and to help artists give that to their fans over and over again…
— Mr. Carter (@S_C_) April 26, 2015 [25]
We are human (even Daft Punk ha). We aren't perfect - but we are determined. #TidalFacts [26]
— Mr. Carter (@S_C_) April 26, 2015 [27]