Drake sings for Katrina victims, Apple threatens $20M suit

DrakePhoto: Getty Images

Apple Music declared war on rival streaming service,Jay Z’s Tidal, over Drake’s appearance at a charity concert to benefit kids affected by Hurricane Katrina. Tidal faces being sued for $20 million if it streamed Apple artist Drake’s brief two-song appearance at the Friday night show.

Apple Music execs were not happy when Drake was confirmed to perform at Lil Wayne’s Lil WeezyAna Fest in New Orleans Friday night, even though the festival benefits Tha Carter Fund, which supports after-school programs in Louisiana.

Lawyers were called in because the event was being streamed live via Tidal — and Drake has an exclusive deal with Apple Music said to be worth up to $19 million. Sources say the tech giant threatened to sue for $20 million if Drake appeared, or if his music was streamed live, on Tidal.

A source told us, “Legal letters have been sent to Tidal warning that Drake cannot appear on the Tidal stream of the festival, either solo or part of a group, and if the warning was ignored, the liabilities could be up to $20 million.

“This event is for charity, Drake is doing two songs. Why does Apple think it can dictate to artists where and when they can perform?”

The Post reported Drake has a $19 million deal with Apple as one of the artists who helped them launch their new streaming service.

Lil WaynePhoto: Invision/AP

The deal includes an exclusive album release and to have the “Started From the Bottom” rapper as a guest DJ for iTunes Radio.

We’re told Drake, who is still signed to New Orleans native Lil Wayne’s Young Money Records, jumped at the chance to perform at the sold-out festival. Also lined up were Nicki Minaj and a reunion of Lil Wayne’s 1990s group, the Hot Boys.

Sources tell us Jay Z and Tidal execs have no choice but to cut the audio and video streaming of Drake’s appearance at the event — but still planned on putting up a message blaming Drake’s deal with Apple for the rude interruption to fans.

When reached last night, Apple and Tidal declined to comment. Reps for Drake didn’t get back to us.