Snoop Dogg, the iconic rapper and entrepreneur who acquired Death Row records in 2022, is making waves in the music industry. Citing frustration with compensation from traditional streaming platforms, snoop Dogg is taking his music to Tune.FM, a blockchain-powered platform. This decision follows the artist’s public disclosure of his dissatisfaction with Spotify’s payout structure, revealing he received a mere $45,000 for one billion streams. The move highlights a growing trend among artists seeking fairer compensation and greater control over their music.

Snoop Dogg’s exclusive release of his new track, “Spaceship Party,” on Tune.FM underscores his commitment to this new platform and its mission to empower artists. The partnership signals a potential shift in how artists perceive and utilize streaming services, prioritizing equitable compensation and direct engagement with their fanbase.

The revelation about Spotify’s payout came during an appearance on the “Business Untitled” podcast. Snoop Dogg explained the situation, stating:

In the streaming world, I can show you right now. They just sent me some sh-t from Spotify, where I got a billion streams, right? My publisher hit me. I said, ‘Break that down, how much money is that?’ That sh-t wasn’t even $45,000… You see what I’m saying? So it’s like…when this sh-t came out, I could tell an artist that same song that you put out traditionally that didn’t make no money, give it to me.Every time you sell it if somebody else sells it you get 10% of it.

This experience appears to have been a catalyst for Snoop Dogg’s decision to explore option platforms that offer more equitable compensation models. The considerable disparity between streams and earnings has fueled a broader conversation about the sustainability of the current streaming ecosystem for artists.

Tune.FM, created by Andrew Antar, aims to address these concerns by providing artists with substantially higher payouts and more direct control over their revenue streams. The partnership between Snoop Dogg and Tune.FM began after the pair met at the crypto Ball. In February 2025, the proclamation was made that Snoop Dogg would be moving to the platform.

Snoop Dogg expressed his enthusiasm for the new venture, stating:

I don’t f–k with Spotify anymore. I’m only on Tune.FM.

Tune.FM boasts that it ensures artists receive 100 times more than traditional streaming platforms, along with instant payments. The platform also utilizes JAM, “The official Currency of Music,” which is described as “a fully tradable cryptocurrency built on the Hedera Hashgraph (HBAR).” This innovative approach aims to revolutionize how artists are compensated and how fans interact with their favorite music.

A Tune.FM spokesperson highlighted the platform’s unique approach, explaining:

Tune.FM operates under non-exclusive licensing agreements, enabling us to unlock new revenue streams for under-monetized catalogs and artist IP on both our streaming platform and marketplace.

Beyond fairer compensation, Tune.FM offers artists the ability to set their own pricing, engage directly with their audience, and even offer fans the opportunity to invest in music, earning a share of streaming royalties. This level of control and engagement is a important departure from the traditional streaming model, fostering a more direct and mutually beneficial relationship between artists and their fans.

Snoop Dogg envisions an even more expansive future for Tune.FM, with plans to launch VIP giveaways, host private events, and introduce NFT-backed ownership models. These initiatives aim to further enhance the artist-fan relationship and create new revenue opportunities, solidifying Tune.FM’s position as a forward-thinking platform in the music industry.

Andrew Antar, the creator of Tune.FM, expressed his excitement about the partnership, stating:

We are thrilled to welcome Snoop Dogg as the face of Tune.FM. 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.

Snoop Dogg’s move to Tune.FM represents a significant moment in the music industry, potentially paving the way for other artists to explore alternative platforms that prioritize fair compensation and artist empowerment. The exclusive release of “Spaceship Party” on Tune.FM marks the beginning of this new chapter, signaling a potential shift in the balance of power within the music streaming landscape.

Is the music industry on the verge of a seismic shift, driven by artists demanding fairer compensation for their work?

Interviewer: Dr. Anya Sharma, a leading expert in music industry economics and digital distribution, welcome. Snoop Dogg’s recent move to Tune.FM, a blockchain-powered platform, has sent shockwaves through the industry. Can you shed some light on the meaning of this decision and what it might mean for the future of music streaming?

Dr. Sharma: Absolutely. Snoop Dogg’s decision is indeed a landmark moment, illustrating the growing dissatisfaction among artists with conventional streaming models. The core issue is the disparity between the immense popularity of music streaming and the minuscule royalties paid to artists. Snoop Dogg’s publicized payout of a paltry sum for a billion streams highlights this systemic problem. This isn’t just about Snoop Dogg; it represents a wider artist uprising demanding more equitable revenue sharing.

The Underlying Issues in Music Streaming compensation

Interviewer: You mentioned systemic problems. Can you elaborate on the inherent challenges artists face with traditional streaming platforms like Spotify?

Dr. Sharma: the current streaming model, while convenient for consumers, operates on a flawed compensation structure. The payouts are notoriously low,often described as “pennies per stream.” This is partly due to the complex distribution model, involving record labels, publishers, and streaming services – each taking a cut, leaving less for the artist. Moreover, the lack of openness in royalty calculations frustrates many, creating a climate of distrust.Many artists feel they lack control over their intellectual property and their ability to reach their core audience.

Tune.FM and Blockchain Technology: A Game Changer?

Interviewer: Tune.FM is positioned as a revolutionary choice.How does its blockchain-based approach aim to address these longstanding issues?

Dr. Sharma: Tune.FM’s blockchain technology directly addresses the transparency and control issues that plague traditional streaming services. By using a decentralized system, it offers increased transparency in royalty calculations.Artists can track their revenue streams directly and receive instant payments, unlike the lengthy accounting periods typical with traditional platforms.This enhanced transparency helps artists understand their earnings and enables them to confidently manage their finances. The use of a cryptocurrency, JAM, further facilitates seamless and low-cost international transactions.

The Long-Term Implications for the Music Industry

Interviewer: What are the potential long-term implications of artists embracing alternative platforms like Tune.FM?

Dr. Sharma: If Tune.FM’s model proves triumphant,it could trigger a notable paradigm shift in the music industry. We might see a move towards a more artist-centric model, where creators have increased control and a greater share of their revenue. this could ultimately lead to a more sustainable and equitable ecosystem. It’s crucial to remember that multiple models may exist harmoniously, but, in essence, artists need more control over their revenue streams and a fairer stake in their work’s success. Blockchain technology offers a tangible solution by providing secure, obvious and accessible data regarding their song or album performance.

What Can Artists Do? Recommendations for Navigating the Changing Landscape

Interviewer: What recommendations do you have for artists navigating this evolving landscape? What steps should artists take to maximize their revenue and maintain their creative freedom?

Dr. Sharma: Artists need to proactively research and engage with alternative distribution channels. This includes exploring blockchain-based platforms like Tune.FM,and also exploring direct-to-fan monetization strategies such as Patreon,Bandcamp,and their own merchandise. Diversification is crucial. Don’t rely solely on one platform or model. Artists should also educate themselves on the intricacies of revenue models, royalty structures, and digital rights management (DRM). Building a strong online presence and engaging directly with fans are paramount for fostering loyalty and creating diverse revenue streams. Consider seeking legal counsel experienced in music copyright to further protect your assets.

Interviewer: Dr. Sharma, thank you for sharing your invaluable insights. This conversation highlights the critical need for change in the music industry. Let’s see whether Snoop Dogg’s bet on Tune.FM triggers a much-needed revolution in music streaming. What are your thoughts? How can our readers contribute to the discussion?

Dr. Sharma: It’s certainly an exciting time. The success of Tune.FM and similar platforms remains to be seen. Though, the movement reflects a growing demand for equitable and transparent compensation for musicians. This interview is meant to encourage participation in the conversation. Share your thoughts and opinions on social media using #MusicStreamingRevolution, #ArtistEmpowerment, and #FairCompensation. Let’s continue this important dialogue.