Apple is in talks to lure rapper Drake as a guest DJ for iTunes Radio. The rumored $19 million deal with Drake is just one of a series of talks Apple is holding with a host of artists Apple wants to sign as Guest DJs for its revamped free music streaming service.
Pharrell Williams, who touted the Apple Watch on “The Voice” last month, and French DJ David Guetta are also in talks to get on board, several music industry sources say.
The artists may also assume other roles as part of their agreements, but details was not immediately available on what those extra duties could be.
Apple has been working with record labels to make deals ahead of its upcoming Worldwide Developers Conference, kicking off June 8. Apple is said to be working to offer a three-month trial period for its new $10 per-month subscription service in order to lure new listeners into the fold. The sticking point in the talks: Apple wants the labels to give them rights to the music for free during the trial period.
The Post also reports Apple is looking to offer lyrics as a part of its service, but doesn’t want to pay extra for those.
Apple will likely unveil its plans for a revamped music service, based on its current Beats Music service, at WWDC 2015 on June 8th. That is if it can get all its ducks, (and artists), in a row by then.
