Entertainment

Jay Z to perform rare music at NYC concert promote Tidal streaming service

Rap mogul Jay Z announced plans Wednesday to perform old and never-released tracks at a free New York City concert as a way to build interest in his fledgling music streaming service.

Tidal subscribers can submit a playlist to win tickets to the May 13 performance

U.S. rapper Jay Z announced plans Wednesday to perform old and never-heard tracks at a free New York City concert on May 14 as a way to build interest in his fledgling music streaming service, Tidal. (Luke MacGregor/Reuters)

Jay Z is breaking out his B-sides to hype his fledgling music streaming service.

The rap mogul announced plans Wednesday to unearth songs he hasn't performed in a decade — or ever — at a free New York concert titled "Tidal X: Jay Z B-Sides." The performance will be held May 13 and subscribers can submit a playlist on the service to win tickets.

'Here for the long haul'

From left to right, musical artists Rihanna, Nicki Minaj, Madonna, Deadmau5, and Kanye West appeared on stage at the Tidal launch event in New York City in March. (Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for Roc Nation)
Jay Z took to Twitter on Sunday to defend Tidal's slow start. He co-owns the service with Beyonce, Rihanna, Madonna and other artists. He said Tidal currently has 770,000 subscribers.

He wrote: "The iTunes Store wasn't built in a day. It took Spotify 9 years to be successful. We are here for the long haul. Please give us a chance to grow and get better."

The concert will be streamed on Tidal.com.