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
“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.
