Jay-Z’s latest album is now available on Apple Music and iTunes. Tidal, the rap star’s own music streaming service, had exclusivity over 4:44 at launch — but that lasted just one week.
It’s not good news for Spotify subscribers, however.
Apple Music users can now enjoy the official music video to The Story of O.J., a new track from Jay-Z’s recently-released 4:44 album.
Sadly, there’s no sign of the complete album just yet.
It’s only been out since last week, but Jay Z’s 4:44 album has already gone platinum, according to the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
The feat is all the more miraculous considering that Jay’s album has thus far been available only in a select few places. As we’ve noted, it was nearly impossible to stream through legal methods, with the only two ways to access it either being a Tidal subscription or listening on the 160 iHeartRadio stations across the country.
Jay-Z snubbed rival music streaming services when he dropped his new album last week, making 4:44 exclusively available to Tidal subscribers. But that exclusivity won’t last long.
According to one report, 4:44 could hit Apple Music as early as this week.
Since being acquired by Jay-Z, Tidal has been heavily reliant on superstar names to attract new subscribers — but it just lost a big one.
According to one report, Kanye West has walked away from the service over a dispute regarding payments for The Life of Pablo and exclusive music videos.
The new album from Jay Z is nearly impossible to stream through legal methods this week, but if you are one of the lucky few that gets to listen to it, you’ll hear the Jigga Man taking shots at one of his biggest rivals: Apple Music.
On one of the tracks for his album 4:44, Jay Z — owner of the struggling music streaming service Tidal — calls out Apple Music boss Jimmy Iovine and talks about his beef with Apple saying he wants more than what Apple offers artists.
Jay Z’s new album 4:44 has landed, but good luck trying to hear it.
Not only has the rap superstar blocked it from the likes of Apple Music and Spotify, but he’s even restricting its availability on Tidal, his own music streaming service. You can’t listen if you weren’t signed up before the album launched.
Jay Z will release his new 4:44 album at the end of this month, but if Apple Music is the only streaming service you subscribe to, you’re going to miss out.
