New (alleged) details have emerged about the $20 million Jay Z referenced on his new album 4:44. According to the latest report from TMZ, the $20 million was actually part of Kanye West's deal with the Roc-A-Fella Records co-founder.
In 4:44 opener "Kill Jay Z," however, Jay seemingly suggests the money was some sort of a gift:
TMZ cited "sources with direct knowledge" of the two's business dealings, reporting Tuesday that the $20 million in question was an advance intended to cover Saint Pablo Tour expenses ranging from general production costs to staff payments. Annoyingly, TMZ also included an extremely cringeworthy biblical reference in their report.
An anonymous source close to the situation denied the accuracy of the TMZ report, stating Roc Nation does not give out advances for artist tours.
In a separate report containing no such cringeworthy biblical references, TMZ claimed that Jay's supposed West criticism on "Kill Jay Z" was in response to comments West made during a Saint Pablo Tour stop last November. "Jay Z, call me bro," West told the crowd during a performance in Sacramento. "You still ain't called me. Jay Z, call me. Jay Z, I know you got killers. Please don't send 'em at my head. Just call me. Talk to me like a man." Days later, the remainder of the tour had been canceled and West was hospitalized.
As reported over the weekend, Tidal is also an alleged source of of tension between Jay Z and Kanye West. West has reportedly left the company over a $3 million dispute and is rumored to be done with streaming exclusives for good.
Related Stories
Kanye West Reportedly Leaves Tidal Over Financial Dispute
While there are no receipts, a TMZ report citing anonymous sources claims Kanye West is attempting to split from Tidal over unpaid money.
Kanye West Is Reportedly Done With Exclusive Streaming Releases for His Music
TMZ reports Kanye West wants to stop doing exclusive releases with music streaming services.
On '4:44,' Jay-Z Successfully Confronts His Failures in Order to Start Over
On '4:44,' his first album in four years, Jay Z sounds refreshed and ready to impart the wisdom of his 47 years on the world.
