Lil Wayne‘s most recent album, FWA (Free Weezy Album), began its life as a TIDAL exclusive — and it looks like that decision may prove to be a costly one.
Cash Money — which (despite a lawsuit earlier this year) is still Wayne’s label — is suing Jay Z‘s TIDAL for streaming the album, calling it “a desperate and illegal attempt to save their struggling streaming service” in a lawsuit obtained by TMZ.
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TIDAL claims Lil Wayne’s contract with Cash Money is not exclusive and that he signed over the rights to the album to the streaming service. Cash Money states that Wayne does not have the power to license his music to anyone in the lawsuit, quoting his contract.
Cash Money is also claiming damages, saying the release of FWA to “tepid reviews” could impact future efforts to market his music.
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Cash Money exec Birdman was also just named in the indictment of Lil Wayne’s tour bus shooter, along with rapper Young Thug.
Billboard has reached out to TIDAL for comment but hadn’t heard back at press time.