Our anonymous source, a former Roc Nation insider, disclosed intricate details about the secretive management of Tidal that allegedly allowed for an unfair advantage for Roc Nation artists. Michael Smith's role in the music industry remains questionable, especially with his problematic history, including connections to opioid trafficking. The scandal has roots in past scrutiny from Norwegian authorities, who investigated Tidal for suspected fraudulent plays tied to high-profile artists like Beyoncé and Kanye West.

The situation escalated in September 2024 with Smith's indictment, which could uncover deeper insights into Roc Nation's operations. The insider noted Roc Nation has consistently avoided transparency regarding their management of Tidal, potentially leading to an unfair monopoly. This calls into question numerous high-profile projects and industry practices, ultimately highlighting the complexities and challenges of integrity in the music business today.

Recent developments also reveal ongoing lawsuits involving Roc Nation’s current CEO, Desiree Perez, which bring allegations of racketeering and raise eyebrows about Roc Nation's leadership. All these factors contribute to an evolving narrative that could have substantial ramifications for Roc Nation, its artists, and the future of music streaming.

As more information emerges regarding this intricate web of connections, the music industry watches closely for further developments in this high-stakes scandal.