Jimmy Iovine reportedly in talks with artists for exclusive iTunes albums

December 28, 2014

Beats co-founder Jimmy Iovine is reportedly speaking to artists about doing exclusive albums for Apple. The goal is apparently to repeat the success of Beyoncé when she released her self-titled album exclusively on iTunes at the end of last year. However, record labels may be a hurdle that Apple and Iovine need to clear before any deals are made. From the New York Post:

The idea of artists making their own side deals with streaming services doesn't go down too well with record label brass, however.

Apple was reported to be pursuing these types of deals earlier this year, before Iovine joined the company. Given his relationships with the music community, he could help Apple land a least a few exclusives. It's not clear if any exclusivity deal would include Beats Music as well.

Source: New York Post