Spotify will not be removing Kanye West’s music from its platform despite the backlash against the rapper.
Earlier this week, Daniel Ek, CEO at Spotify, said that even though he made “awful” comments, his music did not violate the Spotify’s anti-hate policies. “It’s really just his music, and his music doesn’t violate our policy,” Ek told Reuters, “It’s up to his label, if they want to take action or not.”
Apple Music recently pulled Kanye’s Essential playlist but his music still remains on their platform. Def Jam distanced themselves from the rapper this week.
“Def Jam’s relationship with Ye as a recording artist, Def Jam’s partnership with the GOOD Music label venture and Ye’s merchandise agreement with Bravado all ended in 2021.”
Kanye had been trying to get out of his deals with Def Jam and with Adidas.
“Adidas does not tolerate antisemitism and any other sort of hate speech,” the company said in a statement. “Ye’s recent comments and actions have been unacceptable, hateful and dangerous, and they violate the company’s values of diversity and inclusion, mutual respect and fairness.”
