Cyrus Langhorne
Universal Music Group is reportedly not copping to claims and accusations it may be responsible for R&B diva Rihanna’s new ANTI album prematurely coming out.
According to reports, UMG does not feel like it should be blamed for RiRi’s chart-topping release suffering a leak.
“This whole thing is absurd, we would have taken responsibility if it were our error,” says one UMG executive who spoke on the condition of anonymity. “Instead of having their flack flail around trying to revise their own media spin, maybe they should just focus on serving Rihanna — that’s what we’re focused on.” (Billboard)
Recently, Tidal marketing executive Grace Kim said a “system” error caused the album to prematurely reach the masses.
“When we started this campaign, we expected this to take a week,” Grace Kim, TIDAL’s director of Marketing told SPIN over the phone. Instead, they moved “1.4 million in not 24 hours but 15 hours,” she continued. “That’s a really big deal for us.” When asked if the initial leak of the record just hours before it was officially released hurt or helped ANTI gain the buzz to ship 1.4 million copies, Kim said no. “Look, we know what happened here, in the sense that unfortunately we still rely on systems, and there was a system error. But I don’t think it hurt it at all.” (SPIN)
Following Kim’s comments, a TIDAL representative further explained the situation.
Update: A TIDAL representative has reached out with the following clarifications to Kim’s comments. In regards to TIDAL’s “systems error,” Kim is “referring to a system error caused by Universal Music Group. The error was not something TIDAL caused.” (SPIN)
Rihanna celebrated her new album’s successful release a few days ago.
You guys legit made me the happiest girl in the world!! I'm so grateful that you appreciate the #ANTI album! It's the most rewarding feeling
— Rihanna (@rihanna) January 28, 2016
Gift to my navy!!! #ANTI Download with code: ANTI https://t.co/Pa0juya50t @samsungmobileus pic.twitter.com/5ffWm48v39
— Rihanna (@rihanna) January 28, 2016
