By Rebecca Johnson // Controversy // EEW Magazine Online

For many years, four-time Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter India Arie has been penning and performing melodies that soothe and speak to the Black soul.

But fans will lose access to her beloved melodies on the digital streaming service, Spotify, since Arie is pulling her catalog amid concerns over controversial podcaster Joe Rogan’s use of racist language as well as the unjust treatment of artists on the platform.

On Instagram Stories, Arie showed a montage of host Rogan, 54, using the N-word numerous times, even once referring to a Black neighborhood as “Planet of the Apes.”

In 2020, the white male comedian, television host and mixed martial arts commentator signed an exclusive licensing deal with Spotify Technology worth more than $100 million—one of the largest such deals in the rapidly growing podcast business, according to Wall Street Journal.

Despite his use of racist language and widespread accusations of spreading COVID misinformation, Spotify CEO Daniel Ek is defending Rogan.

“I understand the premise that because we have an exclusive deal with him, it’s really easy to conclude we endorse every word he says and believe the opinions expressed by his guests. That’s absolutely not the case,“ said EK in an employee meeting.

EK’s defense rings hollow and has done nothing to lessen the controversy swirling around the brand.

The “I Am Not My Hair” songstress points out that Black musicians like her who are the backbone of Spotify’s success—a company worth tens of billions—are only paid $.0038, less than a penny per play.

And she’s just not having it anymore.

“I have decided to pull my music and podcast from Spotify,” Arie wrote in an emotional post on IG. “Neil Young opened a door that I MUST walk through. I believe in freedom of speech.”

Speaking of freedom of speech, Arie has been vocal about her issues, not just with Spotify but with the music industry in general.

“People said I accused the music industry of being racist and sexist and deceitful, and I want to clarify some things. It is not an accusation. It’s wisdom,” she said on IG.

“All of my friends in the business have had extreme challenges, and they see it. They know what this is.”

Over the last 20 years, Ari has released eight albums, sold upwards of 10 million, and has been nominated for 25 Grammys.

“I was a voice for a lot of people whose stories were never told,” she said.

“I’m remembering who I am, and I’m taking my self-definition and my power back from all these outside forces.”