Spotify Removes R. Kelly, XXXTentacion Music From Its Playlists

New York, NY (Top40 Charts) On May 10th, Spotify introduced a new policy regarding hate content and hateful conduct. In accordance with the new rules, XXXTentacion and R. Kelly's music has been removed from all playlists on the platform (both curated and algorithmic).

Spotify defines hate content as "...Content that expressly and principally promotes, advocates, or incites hatred or violence against a group or individual based on characteristics, including, race, religion, gender identity, sex, ethnicity, nationality, sexual orientation, veteran status, or disability."

In a statement earlier today announcing the new policy and addressing the decision to remove R. Kelly's music from the service's playlists, Spotify stressed that his music will remain on the platform, but that it will no longer actively promote it. "We are removing R. Kelly's music from all Spotify playlists and algorithmic recommendations such as Discover Weekly," Spotify told Billboard 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."

Playlists like RapCaviar are now clear of music from XXXTentacion, though no comment has been made regarding other controversial emcees. Stay tuned as this story continues to develop.