India Arie Returns Catalog To Spotify After Calling Them Out Over Joe Rogan

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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 19: Singer India.Arie performs onstage during the Smokin Grooves Festival at Los Angeles State Historic Park on March 19, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Scott Dudelson/Getty Images)
Rogan's n-word controversy sparked India's protest of Spotify, but she said her boycott worked and it"impacted change."

It was around this time last year when India Arie unleashed on Joe Rogan. The famed podcast host and comedian was in the thick of a viral controversy after several clips of him disparaging Black people and using the n-word went viral. His supporters, including Black entertainers, refused to label their friend racist. Rogan returned to say he was being targeted while also noting that the n-word wasn't for him to use.

During that time, there was also a call from a faction of critics for Spotify to remove Rogan's podcast from its platform. The streaming giant quickly responded by saying that wouldn't happen, and many noted it was because Rogan's podcast was one of its most popular shows. Arie didn't appreciate the response, so she said her catalog would no longer be available on Spotify.

India Arie Announces The Removal Of Her Catalog

NEWARK, NJ - AUGUST 25: Singer India.Arie performs on stage during the 2019 Black Girls Rock! at NJ Performing Arts Center on August 25, 2019 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Gilbert Carrasquillo/Getty Images)

“I have decided to pull my music and podcast from Spotify,” she wrote. “Neil Young opened a door that I MUST walk through. I believe in freedom of speech. However, I find Joe Rogan problematic for reasons OTHER than his Covid interviews… FOR ME ITS ALSO HIS language around race. What I am talking about is RESPECT – who gets it and who doesn’t.”

“Paying musicians a Fraction of a penny? and HIM $100?” Arie questioned. “This shows the type of company they are and the company that they keep. I’m tired.” However, it seems that she has had a change of heart because she announced on Instagram that her catalog made a triumphant return to Spotify. "After a successful protest!" she wrote before urging her followers to view previous posts to understand the context.

India Arie Has A Message For Naysayers

"Also I must say. All the media outlets and even 'friends' who talked sh*t about me lets see if you care NOW that my stance impacted change," Arie further stated. "I WISH we had a ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY AROUND THE USE OF THE N WORD. Sadly we let people get away with it. I can't change that. But the way MY DIGNITY is set up! I STOOD FOR ME. AND IT WORKED." She added that she's all about protecting her peace throughout the year. Check it out above.

About The Author
Erika Marie
Erika Marie is a seasoned journalist, editor, and ghostwriter who works predominantly in the fields of music, spirituality, mental health advocacy, and social activism. The Los Angeles editor, storyteller, and activist has been involved in the behind-the-scenes workings of the entertainment industry for nearly two decades. E.M. attempts to write stories that are compelling while remaining informative and respectful. She's an advocate of lyrical witticism & the power of the pen. Favorites: Motown, New Jack Swing, '90s R&B, Hip Hop, Indie Rock, & Punk; Funk, Soul, Harlem Renaissance Jazz greats, and artists who innovate, not simply replicate.
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