(AllHipHop News) The Jay Z led Tidal streaming service pulled a major move in the streaming wars when the platform was able to secure Prince’s extensive catalog.
After the death of the performer in April, Tidal was standing alone as the only streamer to have access to the icon’s music.
The Prince estate is now suing Jay Z’s Roc Nation for copyright infringement over the exclusive streaming rights given to Tidal.
According to the lawsuit, the estate alleges Tidal was only granted a 90-day streaming exclusivity period for Prince’s 2015 album HITNRUN Phase One.
In addition, Tidal reportedly has not attempted to contact Prince’s estate since he passed away.
Roc Nation has filed a petition claiming there were both oral and written agreements between Prince and the company.
There have also been reports Jay offered Prince’s estate $40 million for the rights to his unreleased music.
While Prince was alive, the legendary musician was a big backer of Tidal.
In 2015, the “Purple Rain” singer pulled all his music from other streaming services.
Prince also streamed his Freddie Gray tribute concert from Baltimore on Tidal.
He was supportive of Tidal’s artist-owner business model as well.
“Once we have our own resources, we can provide what we need for ourselves,” said Prince. “Jay Z spent $100 million of his own money to build his own service. We have to show support for artists who are trying to own things for themselves.”
