Jimmy Iovine and Dr. Dre May Make First Official Appearance at Apple's WWDC

[dannyyankou]

Wow, people are still complaining? I hated the deal at first also, then I started using my head.

 

[BigHonkingDeal]

Dr. Dre is ghetto rich now

You guys should just let it go...... I take him over a snot nose genius from the "Bar" any day.

 

[IJ Reilly]

then I started using my head.

For what?

Sorry, somebody had to ask.

 

[TheDoctor7x]

You don't get it? Really? Let me help you out with this people are sick and tired of terrible rap or hip hop music that have come out for the last few years even with the Pop scene. Rap or Hip Hop back in the in day was great because it had poetry and a story todays Rap scene is just about hoes and money not about originality and with Apple attaching themselves with beats a lot of us do not want more mainstream music especially through iTunes Radio which already plagues under some genres like electronic music.

If only Beats Music steamed music besides rap and hip-hop. Then it would be a perfectly acceptable service for Apple to buy.

However, if they did, your comment would make you look like a complete idiot.



The only reason why Beats Music is associated with rap is because the service was co-created by a rap artist. If you took the time to actually research a topic before you started blabbering all over your keyboard, you'd see that the website showcases Bruce Springsteen, Miles Davis, Fleetwood Mac, Johnny Cash, John Coltrane, Green Day, Judas Priest, Bruno Mars, as well as showing various album covers and such from artists that do not belong in the rap genre.

 

[white4s]

future iphones getting upgraded speakers & headphones by beats, that will be enough for me to listen to music more on my phone

 

[Agathon]

Them hipsters be mad.

Anything that annoys hipsters has to be a good thing.

But, sadly, most of this seems to be about race. Being from overseas, I never really understood why people say that the US can be a pretty racist society. I guess I understand a bit more now.

 

[Limboistik]

Most people are only familiar with Beats as a headphone brand. And Beats headphones are often regarded as overly priced junk with no value to the consumer other than being attached to its marketing. Many Apple fans do not want to be associated with that.

Beats was valued at about $1 billion in late 2013. It is hard to see how they tripled their worth in the last 8 months or so. I bet stockholders are concerned that Apple is possibly overpaying by an enormous amount.

The Beats streaming service is often touted as the main reason for the acquisition. But it's not like Apple is buying a seasoned, successful company. Beats subscription service is relatively new and has only 200,000 subscribers. One wonders how much Apple paid per subscriber and how much it can expect to get out of that. The idea, of course, will be to grow the service. But that's a multi-billion dollar gamble.

One big problem Apple has is that the music industry doesn't like how much power Apple managed to get over them by becoming the defacto source for buying music and music devices. The industry has been very reluctant to grant Apple rights to stream music for fear of the same thing happening to streaming. Some have theorized that the "real" reason Apple is acquiring Beats is to get Jimmy Iovine's industry connections and/or all of the music streaming rights. But this makes no sense for two main reasons: 1) Beats and Jimmy will just be seen as a front for Apple. 2) Contracts for rights typically end upon acquisition, or if they don't in this case, they'll typically expire yearly anyway.

This is pretty much what I'm thinking, based on what little I know. I don't think my concerns are completely unreasonable. Of course the executives at Apple are much more business savvy than I am, and they have access to information that we don't have. I have also liked their acquisitions in the past, so I trust them somewhat. Nevertheless I remain very skeptical about this one, especially the price paid for it.

This is my speculation too, I feel the real value in this deal is Jimmy Iovine and further leverage on the music industry. However I have doubts whether the terms established between Beats and the record labels are even transferrable to Apple.

 

[nuckinfutz]

Most people are only familiar with Beats as a headphone brand. And Beats headphones are often regarded as overly priced junk with no value to the consumer other than being attached to its marketing. Many Apple fans do not want to be associated with that.

Beats was valued at about $1 billion in late 2013. It is hard to see how they tripled their worth in the last 8 months or so. I bet stockholders are concerned that Apple is possibly overpaying by an enormous amount.

The Beats streaming service is often touted as the main reason for the acquisition. But it's not like Apple is buying a seasoned, successful company. Beats subscription service is relatively new and has only 200,000 subscribers. One wonders how much Apple paid per subscriber and how much it can expect to get out of that. The idea, of course, will be to grow the service. But that's a multi-billion dollar gamble.

One big problem Apple has is that the music industry doesn't like how much power Apple managed to get over them by becoming the defacto source for buying music and music devices. The industry has been very reluctant to grant Apple rights to stream music for fear of the same thing happening to streaming. Some have theorized that the "real" reason Apple is acquiring Beats is to get Jimmy Iovine's industry connections and/or all of the music streaming rights. But this makes no sense for two main reasons: 1) Beats and Jimmy will just be seen as a front for Apple. 2) Contracts for rights typically end upon acquisition, or if they don't in this case, they'll typically expire yearly anyway.

This is pretty much what I'm thinking, based on what little I know. I don't think my concerns are completely unreasonable. Of course the executives at Apple are much more business savvy than I am, and they have access to information that we don't have. I have also liked their acquisitions in the past, so I trust them somewhat. Nevertheless I remain very skeptical about this one, especially the price paid for it.

Paying above valuation is the way to make a deal happen faster. Whatsapp wasn't valued at 19 Billion but Facebook wanted to close the deal quickly so they paid the price to accomplish that.

Stockholders are concerned with a return on their investment. They don't care who Apple buys so long as their seeing their investment's value improve.

Beats Music is based on MOG which was known enough and Apple can take a product and distribute it like few other companies can because of their disty networks, brand awareness and financial power. It's not really a multi billion gamble if the headphone lineup is delivering profits/margins that Apple likes.

The big problem is one that will be handled by Iovine. Jimmy will be seen as Jimmy. People knew of him before Apple and will know it's the same Jimmy after the deal.

3.2 billion is cheap for a profitable company generating over a billion in revenue.

 

[AaronM5670]

They look like the biggest mismatch in business history, if you can call what they're doing 'business'.

 

[TsMkLg068426]

Sorry....I had no idea Beats doubled as a hip hop act. Thought it was just hardware and a streaming service.

So when seeing Dr. Dre and Jimmy Iovine two people who have worked in the hip hop and pop scene it does not give you any hint of hip hop act? Yeah I get Beats also sells hardware but if you ever watched their commercials who do you think they have promoting their hardware and streaming service? Yep Hip Hop artist like Niki Minaj or some other Hip Hop artist. Are you going to tell MTV does not also promote trash but music videos still?

 

[nfl46]

Some of these low-key disses to Dr. Dre are disgusting. The guy went from having nothing to being a billionaire, or damn close to it. I can definitely respect that! Self-made, and money wasn't given to him by his family.

 

[TsMkLg068426]

If only Beats Music steamed music besides rap and hip-hop. Then it would be a perfectly acceptable service for Apple to buy.

However, if they did, your comment would make you look like a complete idiot.



The only reason why Beats Music is associated with rap is because the service was co-created by a rap artist. If you took the time to actually research a topic before you started blabbering all over your keyboard, you'd see that the website showcases Bruce Springsteen, Miles Davis, Fleetwood Mac, Johnny Cash, John Coltrane, Green Day, Judas Priest, Bruno Mars, as well as showing various album covers and such from artists that do not belong in the rap genre.

Fine all of those you listed are Pop music anything that is not pop? If you read carefully I also said Pop artist not just Hip Hop but both Dr. Dre and Jimmy Iovine have worked with hip hop artist.

 

[AngerDanger]

First African American Keynote speaker? Yay! (I'm black btw)

Good for you, mate. It's nice to get a rough idea of how much melanin everybody's skin has. Would any other posters like to share such relevant information? (I'm human btw)

 

[TsMkLg068426]

You guys should just let it go...... I take him over a snot nose genius from the "Bar" any day.

Someone is having a hard time taking a joke just to help you out I listen to Dr. Dre since the NWA days I guess that gives me right to make jokes.

 

[bmunge]

You don't get it? Really? Let me help you out with this people are sick and tired of terrible rap or hip hop music that have come out for the last few years even with the Pop scene. Rap or Hip Hop back in the in day was great because it had poetry and a story todays Rap scene is just about hoes and money not about originality and with Apple attaching themselves with beats a lot of us do not want more mainstream music especially through iTunes Radio which already plagues under some genres like electronic music.

What does that have to do with Dr. Dre or Beats Radio?

Also, generalizing all modern rap as "hoes" and "money" just proves that you don't listen to hip hop or know anything about it.

 

[hasanahmad]

Apple will become the biggest joke in the industry with this acquisition and appearance

 

[cmChimera]

I like old skool hip hop or rap music even underground stuff like Schoolboy Q or Kendrick Lamar are fine I hate anything on FM radio dials or on MTV (whenever they play music videos, yeah I know).

Lol at Kendrick Lamar or Schoolboy Q being underground. Kendrick is a breath of fresh air to hip hop, but he's also wildly popular. Rightfully so.

 

[D.T.]

He's not even a real Doctor.

I thought that too, but I went to him with a back pain and he fixed me right up ...











... it was a little odd that I needed to smoke the prescription.

 

[69Mustang]

You don't get it? Really? Let me help you out with this people are sick and tired of terrible rap or hip hop music that have come out for the last few years even with the Pop scene. Rap or Hip Hop back in the in day was great because it had poetry and a story todays Rap scene is just about hoes and money not about originality and with Apple attaching themselves with beats a lot of us do not want more mainstream music especially through iTunes Radio which already plagues under some genres like electronic music.

I'm honestly confused. How would this acquisition change the mix of music offered by Apple? Also, how does Beats = Rap/Hip Hop? I know that fits the narrative that's currently percolating below the surface of all the Beats threads, but it's pretty myopic in my opinion. Never before has MacRumors resembled Yahoo's comment section until this Beats rumor surfaced.

Maybe this would help crush some of the BS floating in the Beats threads. See, we don't have to lock our doors and hide our daughters. Bolded: Apple doesn't force you to buy music you don't like; products either.

 

[Sasparilla]

Most people are only familiar with Beats as a headphone brand. And Beats headphones are often regarded as overly priced junk with no value to the consumer other than being attached to its marketing. Many Apple fans do not want to be associated with that.

Beats was valued at about $1 billion in late 2013. It is hard to see how they tripled their worth in the last 8 months or so. I bet stockholders are concerned that Apple is possibly overpaying by an enormous amount.

The Beats streaming service is often touted as the main reason for the acquisition. But it's not like Apple is buying a seasoned, successful company. Beats subscription service is relatively new and has only 200,000 subscribers. One wonders how much Apple paid per subscriber and how much it can expect to get out of that. The idea, of course, will be to grow the service. But that's a multi-billion dollar gamble.

One big problem Apple has is that the music industry doesn't like how much power Apple managed to get over them by becoming the defacto source for buying music and music devices. The industry has been very reluctant to grant Apple rights to stream music for fear of the same thing happening to streaming. Some have theorized that the "real" reason Apple is acquiring Beats is to get Jimmy Iovine's industry connections and/or all of the music streaming rights. But this makes no sense for two main reasons: 1) Beats and Jimmy will just be seen as a front for Apple. 2) Contracts for rights typically end upon acquisition, or if they don't in this case, they'll typically expire yearly anyway.

This is pretty much what I'm thinking, based on what little I know. I don't think my concerns are completely unreasonable. Of course the executives at Apple are much more business savvy than I am, and they have access to information that we don't have. I have also liked their acquisitions in the past, so I trust them somewhat. Nevertheless I remain very skeptical about this one, especially the price paid for it.

So well said ActionableMango...I totally agree.

I wouldn't be surprised to see this just not happen, although there's certainly alot of heat, like this is real, in the rumors.

 

[CFreymarc]

Most people are only familiar with Beats as a headphone brand. And Beats headphones are often regarded as overly priced junk with no value to the consumer other than being attached to its marketing. Many Apple fans do not want to be associated with that.

Beats was valued at about $1 billion in late 2013. It is hard to see how they tripled their worth in the last 8 months or so. I bet stockholders are concerned that Apple is possibly overpaying by an enormous amount.

The Beats streaming service is often touted as the main reason for the acquisition. But it's not like Apple is buying a seasoned, successful company. Beats subscription service is relatively new and has only 200,000 subscribers. One wonders how much Apple paid per subscriber and how much it can expect to get out of that. The idea, of course, will be to grow the service. But that's a multi-billion dollar gamble.

One big problem Apple has is that the music industry doesn't like how much power Apple managed to get over them by becoming the defacto source for buying music and music devices. The industry has been very reluctant to grant Apple rights to stream music for fear of the same thing happening to streaming. Some have theorized that the "real" reason Apple is acquiring Beats is to get Jimmy Iovine's industry connections and/or all of the music streaming rights. But this makes no sense for two main reasons: 1) Beats and Jimmy will just be seen as a front for Apple. 2) Contracts for rights typically end upon acquisition, or if they don't in this case, they'll typically expire yearly anyway.

This is pretty much what I'm thinking, based on what little I know. I don't think my concerns are completely unreasonable. Of course the executives at Apple are much more business savvy than I am, and they have access to information that we don't have. I have also liked their acquisitions in the past, so I trust them somewhat. Nevertheless I remain very skeptical about this one, especially the price paid for it.

Well said. IMO, this is one the most expensive "buy and flush" moves ever. My take is they will buy Beats, let the supply line for the headphones run out, integrate the unique services of Beats streaming into iTunes and give Dre and company a year or so at Apple before they are dropped off at the Viper Club in Sunset Blvd.

 

[Zerilos]

I don't get the constant overly dramatic complaints over this deal.

It's an unending refrain here on MR. People get their panties in a knot over the dumbest things. For their sake, I'm hoping they announce that Snoop Dog is taking over as lead designer and the Solid Gold Dancers all receive a chair on the Board of directors.

 

[TsMkLg068426]

What does that have to do with Dr. Dre or Beats Radio?

Also, generalizing all modern rap as "hoes" and "money" just proves that you don't listen to hip hop or know anything about it.

Really? Is this the best explanation you can come up with? The Rap scene is so desperate that they had to get into the Electronic scene by creating TRAP music and guess what? It is Rap with a T added in the front talk about Hipster.

 

[Dontazemebro]

I don't get the constant overly dramatic complaints over this deal.

Startling information such as this normally brings out all the racists and bigots.

 

[dannyyankou]

For what?

Sorry, somebody had to ask.

Apple has wanted to launch a streaming service, but couldn't because they couldn't find licensing deals that were cheap enough. The beats acquisition would solve this issue. This isn't about the headphones (which suck btw). It's about apple getting streaming rights at a low price, which I assume would keep the subscription costs lower.