Snoop Dogg clashes with Spotify over royalties, takes music to Web3

Snoop Dogg has reignited the long-standing debate over streaming royalties, calling out Spotify for what he considers unfair payouts.

During a 2023 appearance on the Business Untitled podcast, the hip-hop icon claimed that despite amassing a billion streams on the platform, his earnings were less than $45,000.

His frustration was evident as he vented, “They just sent me some sht from Spotify, where I got a billion streams… That sht wasn’t even $45,000.”

Spotify was quick to dispute his claims, arguing that a billion streams typically generate millions for rights holders.

A company spokesperson responded, “It’s unfortunate to hear that Spotify’s payments didn’t make it through to Snoop… Hopefully, now that he owns Death Row Records, he’s seeing more of that money.”

This statement suggests that the issue may be tied to rights ownership and distribution deals rather than Spotify’s direct payment structure. Despite this, Snoop remains unconvinced and has taken a decisive step in response.

In a bold move, he has announced a partnership with Tune.FM, a Web3 streaming platform that uses blockchain technology to ensure artists receive direct and transparent payments.

His new single, Spaceship Party, has already been released exclusively on Tune.FM, marking a clear break from traditional streaming services.

Making his stance crystal clear, he declared, “I don’t f**k with Spotify anymore. I’m only on Tune.FM.”

Tune.FM’s founder and CEO, Andrew Antar, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, describing Snoop as a visionary. “Snoop is the OG pioneer who is always on the cutting edge of technology and new ways of doing business. He totally gets it, and we are ready to take on the world together,” he said.