Did Spotify try to erase hip-hop history? Summer Walker has called out the streaming platform for excluding Nicki Minaj, Lil Kim, and Missy Elliot.
Earlier this week, Spotify’s official TikTok account posted a video featuring an exclusive exhibit preview on the platform. The company described the project as a “fine art show dedicated to the current golden era of women in hip-hop…” in the caption.
Spotify unveiled “The Gold Standard,” a private art exhibit honoring top female rappers, on July 30 at The Hole Gallery in New York City. The art exhibit included vibrant portraits of major Hip-Hop artists such as Cardi B, Megan Thee Stallion, Latto, Ice Spice, Saweetie, and others.
The event also provided fans with a unique opportunity to interact with the artists, including personal interactions and photo opportunities. This added a unique dimension to celebrating these influential women in music.
“The Gold Standard” exhibit debuted at a New York City gallery on Wednesday (July 31). The installation includes oil paintings from the Renaissance era of top female rappers, such as Sexyy Red, Megan Thee Stallion, Latto, Flo Milli, Doja Cat, Ice Spice, and others, all created by fine artist Manon Biernacki.
Fans immediately pointed out Nicki Minaj’s absence from the list of 11 female rappers depicted in the exhibition.
Summer Walker also shared her frustration over Minaj’s absence in The Shade Room comments.
“I don’t even listen to hella Nicki ’cause I’m an R&B lover. But where is the Queen… or Lil Kim at least or Missy Elliott… this mad disrespectful. This is why I make my music and go home. The industry is weird,” Walker wrote.
However, as it turns out, Spotify was not to blame for Minaj’s absence. In a recently deleted post, the commissioned artist explained why the rapper was excluded from the gallery.
The response read, “Thank you so much for all of your support in this adventure and to everyone who made this dream a reality! PS. Don’t come after me in my DMs; Nicki Minaj did not want to be a part of the show.”
The ongoing controversy has called into question Spotify’s commitment to accurately representing hip-hop’s history and culture.
