Prince compares record deals to “slavery” while discussing streaming

Prince has spoken out about record labels and their relationship with music streaming services, in a rare meeting and interview.

Speaking to reporters from the National Association of Black Journalists at Paisley Park Studios, Minneapolis, he is reported to have said: “Record contracts are just like, I’m gonna say the word - slavery. I would tell any young artist - don’t sign.” Journalists in attendance were forbidden from recording or taking pictures.

According to NPR, he went on to say that artists needed to stand their ground against streaming services and create their own market. “Once we have our own resources, we can provide what we need for ourselves,” he said. “Jay Z spent $100 million of his own money to build his own service [Tidal]. We have to show support for artists who are trying to own things for themselves.”

Prince’s new album ‘HITNRUN’ is set to be released exclusively on Tidal, while he’s been making his songs unavailable on rival streaming giants.