Record contracts are just like — I’m gonna say the word – slavery,” Prince said, according to NPR. “I would tell any young artist … don’t sign.”

“Once we have our own resources, we can provide what we need for ourselves,” Prince said. “Jay Z spent $100 million of his own money to build his own service. We have to show support for artists who are trying to own things for themselves.”

Although record contracts benefit the music label, they can still benefit the artist when it comes to mass exposure. In fact, Prince spent the majority of his career signed to a music label that released his music worldwide.

Today, an artist can release their music without a major record label and garner thousands of fans, and under the right circumstances, millions through social media.

Apple has 11 million trial subscribers whereas Jay Z’s Tidal only has 770,000 signups. The streaming business has become very competitive but Apple has shown a lot of might in an already crowded market. Here is the breakdown:

Spotify has 75 million active users, 20 million of which are paying subscribers. Deezer has 16 million monthly active users and 6 million paid subscribers worldwide. Napster and Rhapsody have 3 million users, while Jay Z’s Tidal service has 770,000.

The first 3 videos that played on MTV which launched 34 years ago in August 1981. The Buggles’ “Video Killed the Radio Star”, Pat Benatar’s “You Better Run” video aired second. Rod Stewart’s video for “She Won’t Dance with Me” aired third.

Today, MTV is barely recognizable. Although they still air a music video awards show, most of the programming is reality based shows.

Everybody is bailing at Jay Z’s Tidal including Jay Z himself according to insiders. A mass exodus is happening even though Madonna recently said “this is just beginning for Tidal” in the beginning of the week. This failed venture has cost Jay Z millions of his own money according to sources. These Hollywood stars may figured out that ‘technology’ disruption has weakened ‘celebrity branding’. Throwing a celebrity behind a product no longer guarantees a successful launch.

Many people cry when they meet celebrities, especially the ones who have a crush on that particular individual. The degree of devotion to celebrities can range from a simple crush to a delusion that they have an intimate relationship with the star which does not exist. In some cases, this can lead to stalking behavior. This can easily switch to hatred of the previously loved celebrity, and result in attempts at violent attacks, one notable incident being the death of Rebecca Schaeffer by a stalking fan in 1989.

Above, Lana Del Rey comforts a very emotional male fan after signing an autograph for him.