For the latest development in the ever-frustrating ‘war’ between music streaming platforms, Apple is reported to be in exploratory talks to acquire Tidal, a music streaming platform part owned and wholly championed by hip-hop legend Jay-Z.
With Apple having entered their own chip in to the streaming platform with Apple Music (officially unveiled almost exactly one year ago on June 30, 2015), the reported moves are likely an attempt by the huge technology conglomerate to further their place amongst the platforms and come out ahead of chief competitor Spotify.
Terms of the potential deal are, as of now, unclear, and likewise it is uncertain whether the rumoured talks will eventuate in a finalised deal. However, music fans will take the news as reason to rejoice, regardless, with growing frustrations at ‘platform exclusives’ shutting out fans from access to their favourite artist’s new releases. Especially given that Tidal’s ‘roster’ includes such enormous names as Jay-Z himself, Kanye West, Beyoncé, Pusha T, Big Sean and seemingly countless others, and has featured such exclusives as Kanye West’s The Life of Pablo, Beyoncé’s 2016 album Lemonade and the recently released debut mixtape from buzzing rapper Desiigner.
So tell us music fans, how psyched are you to save $10 a month and throw all of your support behind Apple Music? Or does Tidal deserve to hold a place all its own?
Image: Tidal