Pharrell Williams is releasing his new single “Freedom” exclusively on Apple Music. The single will drop on June 30th, which is the same day Apple Music will officially launch. It was just announced that Apple has signed thousands of independent record labels to take part in their music streaming service. Beggars Group and Merlin (independent label network) recently signed their artists to Apple Music, which includes Grammy-winning artist Adele and Arctic Monkeys. Apple Music is offering the general public a ninety-day free trial, after the trial period ends customers will pay $9.99 per month for the service. According to the New York Times, Apple Music will share over 70 percent of its revenue with artists, producers, and songwriters. Along with endorsements from Pharrell Williams, Apple has revealed Drake will serve as the music ambassador for the streaming service.
Williams has released two solo projects including In My Mind and G I R L. The platinum-selling G I R L project features the singles “Happy,” “Marilyn Monroe,” “Come Get It Bae,” “Gust of Wind,” and “It Girl.” The album was led by the single “Happy,” which won two Grammy Awards for Best Pop Solo Performance and Best Music Video. The hit song was also featured on the Despicable Me 2 Soundtrack, which ultimately helped the album sell over six million copies. “Happy” is also the best-selling single of 2014 with over 13 million digital copies sold worldwide.
Drake has had a record-breaking 2015 with the release of his If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late album. The surprise album was dropped unexpectedly in February, and it broke Spotify’s streaming record by accumulating over 17 million streams in just 72 hours. If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late entered the Billboard 200 at Number 1, after selling over 500,000 copies in its debut week. The rapper also managed to chart 72 singles on the Billboard Hot 100, which was enough to surpass The Beatles. Drake dominated the Hot 100 by also charting 14 songs on the singles chart at the same time. Some of those singles include “Energy,” “10 Bands,” “Now & Forever” featuring Lil Wayne, “Know Yourself,” and “Legend.”