At the same time, there’s something undeniably icky about the fact men accused of sickening crimes continue to rake in big streaming dollars each day - alongside their record labels and music publishers. Personally, I’m instinctually against the idea of taking down Manson’s music from listening catalogs because I typically see the music and the music-maker existing as separate entities. We could all rage at each other all day on the first here, with the answer largely dependent on your faith in the US legal system, and your personal definition of freedom of expression.
The shock of Manson’s appearance at West’s show triggers two thoughts: First, at what point of the lifecycle of credible accusations should an artist’s music be throttled or muted on streaming services - if ever? And secondly, if their alleged conduct is deemed awful enough to deserve any kind of ban, who will actually do the banning? They don’t require scrutiny in the kangaroo court of so-called “cancel culture”: They require the criminal justice system. Yet the allegations currently being leveled against Manson in particular, real name Brian Warner, are beyond egregious. West also brought out DaBaby, who’s been in hot water for homophobic comments. With the Manson appearance, West might have been making some sort of deliberate point about religious redemption or the relish with which his audience can cast judgement on social media. Guess what musician it samples? None other than R.
And then today (September 3rd), Drake has released his album Certified Lover Boy.