It's been an awful couple weeks for Jay Z's streaming music service TIDAL. They've gotten rid of their CEO, we've learned that very few people are downloading the app, and even Kanye West seemed to distance himself from TIDAL. (Although he later reinforced his support.)
Jay Z responded to the negativity today in the form of tweeted "stream of consciousness" #Tidalfacts. In them, he addresses the bad numbers and tries make up for the service's tone deaf celebrity-filled launch by arguing that independent artists also benefit from TIDAL.
He also alleges that "big companies" are spending million on a smear campaign against the service. This is a bit dubious, since TIDAL has done a pretty good job generating their own bad publicity. But you never know. See all of Hov's tweets below.
Stream of consciousness coming in 5, 4, 3, 2… #TidalFacts — 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
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
Our actions will speak louder than words. We made Tidal to bring people the best experiences... — Mr. Carter (@S_C_) April 26, 2015
and to help artists give that to their fans over and over again… — Mr. Carter (@S_C_) April 26, 2015
We are human (even Daft Punk ha). We aren't perfect - but we are determined. #TidalFacts — Mr. Carter (@S_C_) April 26, 2015