Beyonce's husband Jay-Z may be in serious legal trouble for allegedly streaming Prince's songs without permission. Reportedly, Tidal, the music streaming service owned by rapper and businessman Jay-Z, has been using Prince's popular songs such as "Pizza Pie Golly Wow" since June of this year without permission.
According to TMZ's report, before the sudden death of 80's pop icon, he reportedly signed an agreement with Jay-Z's Roc Nation for streaming his music through Tidal music streaming service. However, Prince's label NPG is now accusing that Beyonce's husband has overstepped the boundaries.
Jay-Z's Roc Nation music label insists that there was a written and oral agreement with Prince's NPG records allowing Tidal to use the singer's music. But Prince's record label alleges otherwise. NPG claims that they only authorized Tidal to use the late pop icon's last album "Hit N Run: Phase 1." But there was no agreement for Prince's other hits.
The record label is now filing charges against Jay-Z's Tidal for copyright infringement. Sources revealed that Tidal went as far as streaming almost all of Prince's music catalog. NPG has also blocked Tidal to use any of Prince's music apart from the last album of which they have permitted.
Furthermore, Jay-Z's Tidal allegedly jacked other songs such as "Little Red Corvette," "Cream," "I Wanna Be Your Lover," "1999," "Purple Rain," "Pop Life," and "Controversy," illegally, the Daily Mail reports. Insiders also reported that there's no amount yet mentioned in the court's documents, but many speculate that it will cost Jay-Z an arm and a leg for the damages.
Prince is remembered for his flamboyant stage presence and eclectic pop genre. His breakthrough began in 1978 when his song "Soft and Wet" from his "For You" album reached no. 12 on the Hot Soul Singles chart. He passed away on April 21, 2016, reportedly from a drug overdose.
Will this lawsuit cost Jay-Z to lose his music streaming business and put another dent on his marriage with Beyonce? Let us hear your thoughts in the comments below.
