TDE President Responds To Streaming Giants Removing Artists Like R. Kelly: “That’s Dangerous”

Written By Cyrus Langhorne

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Top Dawg Entertainment president Punch isn’t ready to see a full-blown censoring of musicians across streaming giants without a serious conversation happening first. The hip-hop executive has weighed-in on the recent decision for digital giants like Spotify and Apple Music taking artists off its playlists.

In Punch’s perspective, there is some serious danger to hiding musicians from subscribers.

As for the new policy itself, Top Dawg Entertainment President Punch responded, “Whoa. Are they censoring the music? That’s dangerous. It’s a super-sensitive topic; a conversation needs to be had. There are way too many variables.” This was underscored by multiple reports of demands from activists to remove other artists from playlists; the organization Ultraviolet, for example, called for both Chris Brown and Eminem to be similarly moved off Spotify’s main real estate. (HITS Daily Double)

A few days ago, buzz developed about Apple Music and Pandora low-key censoring musicians.

Now, a source close to the matter tells Pitchfork that Apple Music also begun to stop promoting R. Kelly in featured playlists over the past several weeks. The decision was made quietly, and it pre-dates Spotify’s announcement. Kelly’s music has been pulled from Apple Music-curated playlists such as “Best Slow Jams of the 90s, Vol. 1” and Vol. 2. (Kelly is prominently featured in the artwork for the playlists, but his music is no longer in them.) Seven R. Kelly-centric playlists (including “R. Kelly Essentials,” “R. Kelly: Influences,” and “Inspired by R. Kelly”) are still on the streaming service. (Pitchfork)

Pandora recently issued a statement confirming R. Kelly fell under the category of possibly blacklisted musicians.

In a statement to The Blast, a rep for the company says, “Pandora’s policy is to not actively promote artists with certain demonstrable behavioral, ethical or criminal issues. We approach each of these scenarios on a case–by–case basis to ensure we address components true to Pandora’s principles while not overreaching and avoiding censorship.” (The Blast)

Earlier this month, R. Kelly personally reacted to rap star 50 Cent coming to his defense amid Spotify hiding his tunes.

https://twitter.com/rkelly/status/994676503374786560

Comments Off on TDE President Responds To Streaming Giants Removing Artists Like R. Kelly: “That’s Dangerous”

Written by Cyrus Langhorne

SOHH.com Writer. When I'm not covering hip-hop news and announcements, I'm deep into an Audible book and eating veggies.

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