Lifetime TV’s ‘Surviving R. Kelly’ Docuseries Sparks An Increase In Spotify Streams

The day after the explosive 2-hour premiere of Lifetime’s limited exposé series #SurvivingRKelly, The Blast reports that a rep for Spotify Music Service claims a nearly 20 percent increase in R. Kelly’s streams. 

This comes months after the music services’ controversial campaign to have the embattled singer’s music removed from the platform altogether, under scrutiny and in congruence with their own “Hate Content and Hateful Conduct Public Policy,” only to reverse their decision, shortly after that.

The compelling docuseries, produced by journalist and author #DreamHampton, chronicles former insider accounts, victims riveting testimonials and decades worth of sexual abuse allegations that have plagued the singer throughout his entire career. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

The first two episodes shocked audiences with its retelling of R. Kelly’s predatory relationships with high school-aged teens and his marriage to the late R & B ingénue Aaliyah in 1994. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

While a majority of fans took to social media to express outrage over some of the lurid details revealed in the show, many also went to Spotify to stream his iconic hit songs, such as “I Believe I Can Fly”; “Step in the Name of Love” and “Bump & Grind.”

Even as the public outcry grows to #muteRKelly, many reluctant fans are still insisting on “separating the man from his art.”

There is also speculation that the increase in streams is also due in part to the public’s morbid fascination with listening to Kelly’s signature sexually explicit lyrics with new ears and understanding. Especially after his ex-tour manager, Demetrius Smith, revealed in the exposé that hit songs like “Age Ain’t Nothing But a Number,” which was written for Aaliyah (who was in fact, underage) has a double meaning. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

Maybe listeners also checked out his classic solo debut album “12 Play” and replayed hits like “It Seems Like Your Ready” and “Your Body’s Calling” and found new insights as well. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

While R. Kelly nor his publicity camp have yet to make any comment on the allegations featured in the documentary, his legal team has threatened to sue Lifetime for airing the show. 

blogged by @honeygrip