India Arie Calls Out Spotify For Placing A White Woman As The Cover Art Of A Neo-Soul Playlist She’s Featured On: Everybody Loves Black Music But They Don’t Care About Us As People

India Arie Calls Out Spotify For Placing A White Woman As The Cover Art Of A Neo-Soul Playlist She’s Featured On: Everybody Loves Black Music But They Don’t Care About Us As People

It’s safe to say India Arie isn’t too pleased with Spotify.

The Neo-Soul singer recently took to her Instagram Story to inform fans that the streaming giant used a photo of a white woman as the cover art for a neo-soul playlist that she is featured on. In a string of posts, India Arie fired off on Spotify and shared her frustrations.

She begins by saying,

“And you wonder why we hate Spotify. I’m on a playlist called I love my Neo soul and this white lady is the picture they put for my song Brown Skin. I have no words.”

She then says when she previously boycotted Spotify and no one “stood with” her.

She continues,

“Everybody loves black music but they don’t care about US as people. Cause THIS RIGHT HERE IS A BLATANT SLAP IN THE FACE. AGAIN.”

India then says she has tried for many years to make society a more loving place.

“I’ve tried for 2 DECADES thru my music to Help humanity to remember love. To love Black people OUT LOUD. And to just be a force [of] good.”

She continues, making it clear that she does not care who criticizes her.

“And before any [one] talks sh*t to me. I don’t care. If you’ve never been in this world–your opinions means nothing to me.”

India Arie says that because music artists depend so heavily on Spotify, the streaming platform gets away with mistreating them.

“Lastly, Spotify is the only platform artists really have. That’s why they don’t HAVE to treat us well. I don’t knock ANY of my peers for using the ONLY vehicle in town. I support artists no matter what. And I support ME. TOO.”

In her final message, the songstress notes that she is tired of trying to make positive changes for everyone and will instead focus on herself.

“I do so much of this [without] a proper team. smh. I’m tired. LOL! I’m done trying to male a change for all of us. I’m going to focus [on] me and my wellness.” 

This isn’t the first time India Arie has called out Spotify. Earlier this year, the “Get It Together” singer said that she would be removing her music from the streaming platform. This announcement stemmed from the company continuing to allow content from Joe Rogan–a podcast host/comedian who has repeatedly made false and derogatory claims about the Covid-19 vaccine as well as some racial commentary that some found offensive.

India Arie

Back in January, the singer took to social media to announce that she was following in the footsteps of  Neil Young, and decided to remove her music 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.”

She then criticized the streaming giant’s pay ratio when it comes to music artists.

She said,

“Paying musicians a fraction of a penny? And HIM $100M? This shows the type of company they are and the company that they keep…. I’m tired. “

What are your thoughts on India Arie’s latest comments about Spotify? Let us know down below!