Apple is reportedly opening up its checkbook to secure its place in the future of music streaming.
The tech giant is trying to sign rapper Drake to a $19 million deal to perform as a guest DJ for iTunes Radio, according to the New York Post. Pharrell and David Guetta are also in talks to provide exclusive content to Apple, the Post reports.
Apple recently picked up BBC Radio host Zane Lowe to work on iTunes Radio. The company is expected to unveil new features for the Internet radio service as well as a Spotify-like on-demand streaming service at its Worldwide Developers Conference next week.
An Apple spokesman did not respond to a request for comment.
Crooner Trey Songz appeared on Drake’s 2009 track “Successful,” and that same year, Drake appeared on Songz’ “I Invented Sex.”Ray Tamarra—Getty ImagesOver the years, Drizzy and Weezy have released several collaborations, but two of their most memorable team efforts include “HYFR” and “The Motto,” both from Drake’s 2011 album “Take Care.”Jared Milgrim—FilmMagic/Getty ImagesIn 2010, Drake appeared on Rihanna’s song “What’s My Name?” The following year, Rihanna returned the favor and sang on the title track from his 2011 album “Take Care.” They both starred in each other’s music videos.
Johnny Nunez—WireImage/Getty ImagesEminem and Drake joined forces (along with Kanye West and Lil Wayne) for the 2009 hit “Forever.”Kevin Winter—Getty ImagesDrake appeared on two Mary J. Blige tracks: “The One” in 2009 and “Mr. Wrong” in 2011.Kevin Winter—Getty ImagesDrake was featured on Jay Z’s 2009 “Off That,” and Jay later appeared on Drake’s “Light Up” (2010) and “Pound Cake” (2013).Kevin Mazur—WireImage/Getty ImagesDrake appeared on two of rapper and producer DJ Khaled’s biggest hits: “I’m On One” in 2011 and “No New Friends” in 2013.Kevin Winter—Getty ImagesDrake’s fellow Young Money artist Nicki Minaj has appeared on several of his songs, like “Up All Night” in 2010 and “Make Me Proud” in 2011. Drake has appeared on her recent songs like "Only" and "Truffle Butter."Johnny Nunez—WireImage/Getty ImagesDrake’s fellow Toronto native The Weeknd lent his R&B vocals to Drake’s song “Crew Love.” Drake has appeared on The Weeknd’s songs “The Zone” and “Live For.”Ian West—PA Wire/APJamie Foxx invited Drake to rap on his 2009 song “Digital Girl” and his 2010 “Fall For Your Type.”Paul Drinkwater—NBC/Getty Images
