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Music is forever evolving. From the lyrics, the fashion, and even how it is consumed. And thanks to platforms like Tidal, Apple Music, and Spotify, streaming has been the go-to for most consumers.
Jimmy Iovine Gets Honest About Streaming
However, some have questioned how organic streaming is. Especially when it comes to the accuracy regarding the number of listeners. This debate became especially prominent during the beef between Kendrick Lamar and Drake’s 2024 feud. People from both camps accused one another of being beneficiaries of the streaming model due to amplified numbers. However, music executive Jimmy Iovine says that both artists benefit equally.
“It’s structured in a really odd way, because let’s say, for example, you’re married, you have two kids, and you have a family plan. And, you and your wife play The Clash, The Police, etc, but your kids play Drake and Kendrick Lamar all day. Most of the money from your house goes to Drake and Kendrick Lamar,” he said. “What you’re hearing about is that the artists are like, they used to be able to earn a living like that. But now, unless you’re in that top chunk of heavy, heavy, heavy, heavy streaming, the money’s not really meaningful.”
Full episode here in case you’re interested: https://t.co/Nnhwno9Vkb
— David Senra (@davidsenra) February 4, 2026
Iovine also says that despite the popularity of the streaming model to this point, he doesn’t expect it to be as prominent in the coming years. Saying that it is “minutes” from being “obsolete” because of the constant change and evolution within the music industry at large.
However, fans on social media had mixed reactions to that theory.
“Streaming isn’t going anywhere. Fans use it because it is the most affordable option,” one user wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.
“I could see streaming become obsolete, especially with the rise in daily AI music uploads. People are gonna seek & prioritize human-made music,” a second user added.
Do you think the streaming model is dying or is here to stay for a bit longer?
