Drake 'Lil WeezyAna Fest' Performance Blocked From Tidal Streaming by Threat of Apple Lawsuit
Drake finds himself wedged in the middle of a widening dispute between music streaming services Tidal and Apple.
The New York Post reports Apple is threatening to slap Jay Z's still struggling venture with a $20 million suit if Tidal follows through with plans to stream the "Started At The Bottom" rapper's two-song Friday night performance to benefit kids affected by Hurricane Katrina.
Reports are Drake was scheduled to perform at fellow Cash Money artist and New Orleans native Lil Wayne's WeezyAna Fest to benefit his Tha Carter Fund and the after-school programs it helps fund in New Orleans. The event is part of a citywide celebration marking the area's 10-year anniversary of rebuilding since Hurricane Katrina.
But by pointing out that Apple has an exclusive deal with Drake and stressing that they may sue if either he appeared or his music was streamed by Tidal at the event, attorneys for Apple have thrown a monkey wrench in Wayne's big plans.
"Legal letters have been sent to Tidal warning that Drake cannot appear on the Tidal stream of the festival, either solo or part of a group, and if the warning was ignored, the liabilities could be up to $20 million," said a source.
The source later added, "This event is for charity, Drake is doing two songs. Why does Apple think it can dictate to artists where and when they can perform?"
The Post has previously reported Drake has a $19 million deal with Apple and is one of the leading artists the company is counting on to help launch its new streaming service. The deal also includes an exclusive album release and plans for him to star as a guest DJ for iTunes Radio.
Nicki Minaj was also slated to appear at the event, as was Wayne, who was expected to reunite with his 1990s group, the Hot Boys. Word is Jay Z and his crew were feeling as if they had no choice but to pull audio and video streaming of Drake's performance, but reportedly they were also planning on putting up a message that clearly identified Apple as the culprit responsible for the interruption.
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