Here’s Why You Need Tidal Right Now If You Want to Hear ‘4:44’

Shawn is a writer and reporter for podcasts at Complex, and the author of the book Complex Presents Dummy Boy: Tekashi 6ix9ine and the Nine Trey Gangsta Bloods. Shows he has written include Infamous and Complex Subject.

Shawn is also the former editor-in-chief of Rap Genius and the creator and host of The Cipher, a critically acclaimed hip-hop podcast. He has written about music and culture for Forbes, The Atlantic, Vibe, The Source, GQ, Esquire, The Sondheim Review, and more.

Jun 29, 2017

It was apparent to close observers that when Sprint invested $200 million in Tidal, it was going to want something big in return. We're now beginning to get an idea of what that is—a new Jay Z project.

A source tells Complex that Jay's new 4:44 project is only available to people who sign up for the streaming service BEFORE the album drops—which is happening at midnight ET. To hear it afterwards, you'll need to sign up for Sprint.

Tidal announced the arrangement via Twitter on Thursday night.

Since the Tidal/Sprint deal was announced, the cornerstone of the announced strategy has been to offer what Sprint calls "exclusive content and entertainment experiences" to customers. A new project from perhaps the most well-known rapper on the planet—who not coincidentally is a co-owner of Tidal—certainly fits that bill.

Hours before the release, Tidal revealed that the album would contain ten songs. At least, we're pretty sure that's what this means.

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Here’s Why You Need Tidal Right Now If You Want to Hear ‘4:44’