An inside source has unveiled troubling details regarding Roc Nation's management of Tidal and its associations with Michael Smith, who faces federal charges for a music streaming fraud scheme. The investigation raises questions about favoritism towards Roc Nation artists and connections to illicit drug activities.
Investigation Reveals Roc Nation's Alleged Ties to Streaming Fraudster Michael Smith

Investigation Reveals Roc Nation's Alleged Ties to Streaming Fraudster Michael Smith
A deep dive into the connections between Jay-Z's Roc Nation, Tidal, and the alleged criminal activities of Michael Smith has emerged, implicating the music streaming service in fraudulent practices.
In a shocking revelation, an insider from Roc Nation has shed light on the intricate web of connections involving Jay-Z, Tidal, and the indicted streaming fraudster Michael Smith. This investigation offers a glimpse into Roc Nation's alleged manipulation of Tidal, providing unfair advantages to its own artists while hiding behind an illusion of fairness in the music industry.
Michael Smith, indicted last September on federal charges related to a $10 million music streaming fraud scheme, has been tied to dubious practices allegedly happening within Tidal. This scheme, reportedly utilizing artificial intelligence and bots, has drawn scrutiny following evidence from internal Roc Nation emails that suggest collusion at the highest levels.
It’s worth noting that Michael Smith is currently under the representation of attorneys Anna Estevao and Justine Harris, who are affiliated with Sean 'Diddy' Combs. The insider contends that Roc Nation was intent on masking its management of Tidal to sustain a façade of impartiality in the music streaming market, benefitting primarily Roc Nation artists like Beyoncé and Kanye West.
Jay-Z initially acquired Tidal with promises of fair revenue distribution among artists; however, controversies have followed, including prior investigations in Norway over alleged streaming fraud. Reports surfaced suggesting that Tidal had artificially inflated play counts for popular albums, undermining the integrity of the streaming platform.
An illustration of Smith's complicated ties to the music industry includes his previous operation of twenty-two medical clinics, sparking questions regarding potential opioid trafficking links, and how this enabled his connections within music circles.
Moreover, current allegations against Roc Nation CEO Desiree Perez have intensified. Perez, once a convicted felon, now faces a lawsuit that claims racketeering and illegal activities, further challenging the integrity of Roc Nation's leadership. The lawsuit, filed by her daughter, encompasses numerous criminal accusations, raising eyebrows over Roc Nation’s governance amidst its lofty claims of supporting artists.
Jay-Z’s past has also resurfaced, as his former criminal charges remind skeptics of the shadowy dealings that have long been rumored within the power spheres of the music industry. As investigations continue and awareness grows, the music community watches closely, awaiting accountability from those entangled in the legal ramifications of this unfolding scandal.
Michael Smith, indicted last September on federal charges related to a $10 million music streaming fraud scheme, has been tied to dubious practices allegedly happening within Tidal. This scheme, reportedly utilizing artificial intelligence and bots, has drawn scrutiny following evidence from internal Roc Nation emails that suggest collusion at the highest levels.
It’s worth noting that Michael Smith is currently under the representation of attorneys Anna Estevao and Justine Harris, who are affiliated with Sean 'Diddy' Combs. The insider contends that Roc Nation was intent on masking its management of Tidal to sustain a façade of impartiality in the music streaming market, benefitting primarily Roc Nation artists like Beyoncé and Kanye West.
Jay-Z initially acquired Tidal with promises of fair revenue distribution among artists; however, controversies have followed, including prior investigations in Norway over alleged streaming fraud. Reports surfaced suggesting that Tidal had artificially inflated play counts for popular albums, undermining the integrity of the streaming platform.
An illustration of Smith's complicated ties to the music industry includes his previous operation of twenty-two medical clinics, sparking questions regarding potential opioid trafficking links, and how this enabled his connections within music circles.
Moreover, current allegations against Roc Nation CEO Desiree Perez have intensified. Perez, once a convicted felon, now faces a lawsuit that claims racketeering and illegal activities, further challenging the integrity of Roc Nation's leadership. The lawsuit, filed by her daughter, encompasses numerous criminal accusations, raising eyebrows over Roc Nation’s governance amidst its lofty claims of supporting artists.
Jay-Z’s past has also resurfaced, as his former criminal charges remind skeptics of the shadowy dealings that have long been rumored within the power spheres of the music industry. As investigations continue and awareness grows, the music community watches closely, awaiting accountability from those entangled in the legal ramifications of this unfolding scandal.