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Jay Z Responds To Tidal Criticism On Twitter

Jay Z’s music- and video-streaming service Tidal has been experiencing a wave of bad press ever since its March launch. Critics have predicted the failure of the subscription-only service, enumerated its problems and declared it already a flop based on its position in Apple’s App Store. Mumford & Sons and Death Cab for Cutie’s Ben Gibbard have been among the musicians to speak out against it. But Jay Z is standing by his service.

On Sunday, the rapper and mogul took to Twitter to offer a multi-part defense of Tidal, using the hashtag #TidalFacts. Jay Z assured his followers that “Tidal is doing just fine” with more than 770,000 subscriptions. “Please give us a chance to grow & get better,” he wrote.

Tidal is doing just fine. We have over 770,000 subs. We have been in business less than one month. #TidalFacts

— Mr. Carter (@S_C_) April 26, 2015

The iTunes Store wasn’t built in a day. It took Spotify 9 years to be successful…

— Mr. Carter (@S_C_) April 26, 2015

We are here for the long haul. Please give us a chance to grow & get better. #TidalFacts

— Mr. Carter (@S_C_) April 26, 2015

There are many big companies that are spending millions on a smear campaign. We are not anti-anyone, we are pro-artist & fan. #TidalFacts

— Mr. Carter (@S_C_) April 26, 2015

We made Tidal for fans. We have more than just music. We have video, exclusive concerts, tickets for events early, live sports!…

— Mr. Carter (@S_C_) April 26, 2015

….Tidal is where artists can give their fans more without the middlemen. #TidalFacts

— Mr. Carter (@S_C_) April 26, 2015

Indie artists who want to work directly w/ us keep 100% of their music. “If you don’t want the CEOs all in the videos” haa #tidalfacts

— Mr. Carter (@S_C_) April 26, 2015

Tidal pays 75% royalty rate to ALL artists, writers and producers – not just the founding members on stage.

— Mr. Carter (@S_C_) April 26, 2015

Rich getting richer? Equity values… YouTube $390 billion. Apple $760 billion. Spotify $8 billion. Tidal $60 million. #TidalFacts

— Mr. Carter (@S_C_) April 26, 2015

My cousin just moved to Nigeria to discover new talent. Tidal is a global company.

— Mr. Carter (@S_C_) April 26, 2015

We have Tidal X – it supports artists by giving them a platform to connect with their most loyal fans. Tidal is for all. #Tidalfacts

— Mr. Carter (@S_C_) April 26, 2015

Our actions will speak louder than words. We made Tidal to bring people the best experiences…

— Mr. Carter (@S_C_) April 26, 2015

and to help artists give that to their fans over and over again…

— Mr. Carter (@S_C_) April 26, 2015

We are human (even Daft Punk ha). We aren’t perfect – but we are determined. #TidalFacts

— Mr. Carter (@S_C_) April 26, 2015

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