Nas has partnered with Royal, a blockchain-based platform that allows fans to invest in their favorite artists' songs.
Royal stated on Thursday that it will sell limited digital assets, which are expanded versions of NFTs that include streaming royalty rights to two of Nas' tracks, ‘Ultra Black’ and ‘Rare.’ On January 11, a limited number of tokens will be available for purchase on Royal's official website. Nas' streaming rights for each song will be up for grabs in total, with 50 percent of them up for grabs.
Royal CEO, co-founder, and acclaimed electronic artist Justin ‘3LAU’ Blau said, ‘Having Nas be the first artist to sell royalty rights through Royal is an amazing confirmation of our objective.’ ‘It's proof that musicians from all genres care deeply about democratizing ownership of their work and wanting to interact with their fans on a deeper level.’
‘Since Royal's launch, we've seen tremendous reaction from musicians across genres who are passionate about interacting with their fans in innovative ways,’ 3LAU continued. Nas' involvement, first as an investor and now as the first artist to release music on Royal, is huge affirmation of our ambition to reinvent music ownership, and this partnership is just the beginning.’
‘I am always seeking for new and innovative ways to connect with the people,’ Nas said of the collaboration. As a result, I'm thrilled to join Royal on their new venture, which will allow the globe to engage with my music in new ways.’
Logic, Disclosure, Kygo, The Chainsmokers, Stefflon Don, and Lucas Joyner are among the artists that have invested in Royal.
‘It's incredibly groundbreaking that fans will be able to own their favorite artists' income. Black music, particularly rap music, has a long history of business zeal, community involvement, and artistic expression. Naithan Jones, Royal's head of growth, adding, ‘These themes are built deep in the DNA of the art form.’ ‘It's for this reason that Royal is launching with Nas. Nas has emphasized the importance of being real, owning your value, and building alongside your community as an artist and an investor. We're excited to see artists and fans experience the pleasure of Royal ownership and cooperation.
