Hip-hop legend Snoop Dogg has made headlines by announcing his departure from Spotify for Web3 streaming platform Tune.FM, after revealing the surprisingly low income he received from the streaming giant despite accumulating over one billion streams.
In a December 2023 interview on the “Business Untitled” podcast, Snoop shocked listeners by disclosing that his one billion streams on Spotify translated to just $45,000 in earnings. “They just sent me some shit from Spotify where I got a billion streams. My publisher hit me, I said, ‘Break that down, how much money is that?’ That shit wasn’t even $45,000,” the rapper stated.
This revelation comes as the Death Row Records owner partners with blockchain-based music streaming service Tune.FM, officially becoming “the face” of the Web3 platform. The collaboration launched alongside his new single “Spaceship Party” and signals his intention to migrate more of his extensive catalog, including Death Row Records material, to Tune.FM.
Financial Motivation: Instant Per-Second Payments
Snoop’s decision appears financially motivated. While Spotify reportedly distributes “nearly 70%” of its music revenue to rightsholders (labels, publishers, and others), Tune.FM claims to pay artists 90% of streaming revenue through its JAM token—a cryptocurrency built on the Hedera Hashgraph network.
The Web3 platform offers what it calls “instant per-second payouts” to ensure artists receive fair and timely compensation, contrasting with traditional platforms where artists “must wait months for royalty payments.”
Andrew Antar, Tune.FM co-founder and CEO, praised the partnership: “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.”
Beyond Streaming: Snoop’s Broader Financial Strategy
This move represents just one aspect of Snoop Dogg’s business diversification. In 2022, he acquired Death Row Records from MNRK Music Group, his original label home founded by Dr. Dre, Suge Knight, and others. Shortly after, he began exploring Web3 opportunities for the iconic catalog.
In February 2022, Snoop sold over $44 million worth of “Stash Box” NFTs in just five days via Gala Games’ Gala Music store, demonstrating his early adoption of blockchain technology in the music space.
The Tune.FM partnership extends beyond streaming his music catalog to include fan experiences, VIP giveaways, private events, merchandise drops, and NFT-backed ownership models.
Snoop Dogg’s Financial Empire
With an estimated net worth of $160 million, Snoop Dogg continues to demonstrate business acumen across multiple industries. Beyond music, his ventures span cannabis products, media production, investments, and brand partnerships.
The rapper has come a long way financially since the early days of his career. In a December 2023 interview, he revealed there were times when his financial situation became so dire that his accountant suggested filing for bankruptcy—advice he ultimately rejected due to pride.
Industry Implications
Snoop’s public criticism of Spotify and subsequent partnership with Tune.FM highlights ongoing debates about streaming economics and fair artist compensation. While Spotify contested Snoop’s figures, stating that “a billion streams on Spotify generates millions of dollars to rights holders,” the rapper’s move signals growing artist interest in alternative revenue models.
As blockchain technology continues developing in the music industry, Snoop Dogg’s high-profile transition could inspire other artists to explore decentralized platforms promising more direct and transparent compensation.
For fans of the iconic rapper, the move means following Snoop to Tune.FM to access his new releases, though a Spotify spokesperson indicated that “for now, his other music is still on DSPs, but Snoop is signaling that that will change.”