News: Spotify Removes R. Kelly & XXXTentacion Music From Playlists

One of the most popular streaming services, Spotify recently announced they would no longer promote music with content or conduct deemed to be offensive. They have implemented a new policy for ‘hate content and hateful conduct’ by citing R. Kelly, XXXTentacion and Lil Tay K. They have since removed all official music playlists and recommended features on the service from all three artists.

Each artist will continue to have their music on the streaming platform although it will no longer be promoted on the main page or advertising packages.

“We are removing R. Kelly’s music from all Spotify owned and operated playlists and algorithmic recommendations such as Discover Weekly,” the company said in a statement. “His music will still be available on the service, but Spotify will not actively promote it. We don’t censor content because of an artist’s or creator’s behavior, but we want our editorial decisions – what we choose to program – to reflect our values. When an artist or creator does something that is especially harmful or hateful, it may affect the ways we work with or support that artist or creator.” -Spotify

In a statement on Thursday, representatives for R. Kelly denounced what they called an “ongoing smear campaign against him, waged by enemies seeking a payoff,” and called Spotify’s decision “unfortunate and shortsighted.”

“Spotify has the right to promote whatever music it chooses, and in this case its actions are without merit,” R. Kelly’s management team said. “It is acting based on false and unproven allegations. It is bowing to social-media fads and picking sides in a fame-seeking dispute over matters that have nothing to do with serving customers.”