An exclusive investigation exposes connections between Jay-Z’s streaming service Tidal and indicted fraudster Michael Smith, alleging misconduct and criminal activities. The report reveals a fraudulent scheme involving Roc Nation's management of Tidal, while detailing Smith's controversial history and Tidal's past allegations of streaming fraud.
Jay-Z's Tidal Under Fire: The Unraveling Connection with Indicted Fraudster Michael Smith

Jay-Z's Tidal Under Fire: The Unraveling Connection with Indicted Fraudster Michael Smith
A deep dive into the troubling ties between Roc Nation, Jay-Z's Tidal, and alleged streaming fraud perpetrated by Michael Smith sheds light on potential misconduct within the music industry.
In a shocking revelation that has sent ripples through the music industry, insiders claim that Roc Nation’s management of Jay-Z's Tidal streaming service has been fraught with deception and alleged criminal activities. An anonymous source who worked within the agency detailed how the company hid its direct influence over Tidal to maintain an unfair advantage for its artists. The investigation unveils ties between Roc Nation, Jay-Z, and Michael Smith, a man now facing federal charges for a multi-million dollar music streaming fraud scheme.
Smith's indictment, which occurred in September 2024, outlines a $10 million conspiracy involving the use of artificial intelligence and bots to manipulate music streaming numbers. This raises serious questions regarding the alleged collusion within Roc Nation and its streaming service, Tidal, originally founded to provide fair compensation to artists. In fact, the anonymous insider confirmed, “They never wanted anyone to know Roc Nation was managing Tidal,” suggesting that this concealment created a monopolistic atmosphere favoring Roc Nation musicians.
Tidal has a checkered past with the law, having faced scrutiny for streaming fraud as early as 2018. Notable Tidal artists, including Beyoncé, were implicated in accusations of inflated streaming numbers. Mysteriously, Smith, well-acquainted with Roc Nation, made appearances at Tidal events, raising eyebrows over how his alleged illegal business dealings might intertwine with his relations in the music industry.
Interestingly, the Los Angeles-based Smith operates twenty-two medical clinics, which have also been subjects of controversy tying back to Medicare fraud allegations. There are alarming questions of whether Jay-Z's potential investment in Smith's clinics played a role in blending the worlds of music and medicine, further complicating the narrative surrounding his connections.
As the investigation intensifies, Roc Nation CEO Desiree Perez finds herself under scrutiny, facing a lawsuit that alleges numerous illegal acts, including racketeering. Her prior conviction for drug trafficking leads to a chilling context for an organization long misunderstood. As Jay-Z’s turbulent past continues to loom large, the revelations from this investigation suggest that the shadows of his history may significantly impact Roc Nation and Tidal as they navigate the escalating scrutiny regarding their business practices.
In light of these alarming allegations, it's clear that the intersection of entertainment and crime may run deeper than previously thought, raising essential questions about accountability in the music industry.
Smith's indictment, which occurred in September 2024, outlines a $10 million conspiracy involving the use of artificial intelligence and bots to manipulate music streaming numbers. This raises serious questions regarding the alleged collusion within Roc Nation and its streaming service, Tidal, originally founded to provide fair compensation to artists. In fact, the anonymous insider confirmed, “They never wanted anyone to know Roc Nation was managing Tidal,” suggesting that this concealment created a monopolistic atmosphere favoring Roc Nation musicians.
Tidal has a checkered past with the law, having faced scrutiny for streaming fraud as early as 2018. Notable Tidal artists, including Beyoncé, were implicated in accusations of inflated streaming numbers. Mysteriously, Smith, well-acquainted with Roc Nation, made appearances at Tidal events, raising eyebrows over how his alleged illegal business dealings might intertwine with his relations in the music industry.
Interestingly, the Los Angeles-based Smith operates twenty-two medical clinics, which have also been subjects of controversy tying back to Medicare fraud allegations. There are alarming questions of whether Jay-Z's potential investment in Smith's clinics played a role in blending the worlds of music and medicine, further complicating the narrative surrounding his connections.
As the investigation intensifies, Roc Nation CEO Desiree Perez finds herself under scrutiny, facing a lawsuit that alleges numerous illegal acts, including racketeering. Her prior conviction for drug trafficking leads to a chilling context for an organization long misunderstood. As Jay-Z’s turbulent past continues to loom large, the revelations from this investigation suggest that the shadows of his history may significantly impact Roc Nation and Tidal as they navigate the escalating scrutiny regarding their business practices.
In light of these alarming allegations, it's clear that the intersection of entertainment and crime may run deeper than previously thought, raising essential questions about accountability in the music industry.