We all know Prince is super protective over his music (and rightfully so), but it may have gotten a little harder to acquire.
Recently, Prince’s band 3rdEyeGirl revealed he’s planning on putting out an album called HITNRUN, and now we have more info about the project — the singer is teaming up with controversial music streaming service TIDAL to release the effort on Sept. 7.
As it turns out, Prince is a fan of how TIDAL protects artists’ rights and signed on to release the project through TIDAL months ago when co-owner JAY Z first launched the bold endeavor.
Prince said in a statement: “After one meeting, it was obvious that Jay Z and the team he has assembled at TIDAL recognize and applaud the effort that real musicians put in2 their craft 2 achieve the very best they can at this pivotal time in the music industry." He continued, "Secondly, TIDAL have honored Us with a non-restrictive arrangement that once again allows Us to continue making art in the fashion We’ve grown accustomed 2 and We’re Extremely grateful 4 their generous support. And lastly, in the tech-savvy, real-time world We all live in 2day, everything is faster. From its conception and that one & only meeting, HITNRUN took about 90 days 2 prepare its release. If that’s what freedom feels like, HITNRUN is what it sounds like.”
Jay-Z added, “Prince has always been a visionary, a free-thinker. We’re honored to offer his breadth of work, 1999, Purple Rain, etc., music that has inspired so many, on TIDAL…Both Prince and TIDAL share the belief that all creatives should have the opportunity to speak directly to those that love and support them. This partnership with Prince represents TIDAL’s philosophy in its truest form, a 1 to 1 connection and direct delivery of artistry to the world."
“HARDROCKLOVER” is the official first single from the set.
Prince's ideals line up with TIDAL's, but given the controversy of the music streaming service Roomies, what do you think of the collaboration?