A free download of Jay-Z’s new albumMagna Carta Holy Grailwas made available exclusively to the first 1 million Samsung Smartphone and tablet users just after midnight Thursday. But the launch did not go off as smoothly as planned.
The app didn’t work for many customers who found themselves frustrated when instead of the album, got a white screen with the black MCHG logo with a spinning icon that quickly disappeared. Many took to Twitter to vent about the technical glitches. But far more flooded social media with their excitement about getting the album, and for several hours dominated Twitter’s top trends.
The album, which was supposed to be exclusive to Samsung customers for three days, leaked not long after the midnight launch when it leaked on scores of blogs, file-sharing sites and torrent trackers. The MCHG app itself was hacked, with several unofficial clone versions popping up that included anti-government statements and a picture of President Obama wearing headphones. Those apps were downloaded only by users of unofficial sites.
So far, Samsung has not commented on the leak or the issues with the download.
As for Jay-Z, his album has gotten mostly positive reviews and has gone platinum thanks to a rules change by the Recording Industry Association of America on how it certifies it’s album awards. Billboard, however, will not count the app downloads in its sales figures. How the leaks affect sales when the album becomes available for purchase Tuesday remains to be seen.
