Spotify is tipping into catalog programming with the takeoff of its first-ever catalog hub, Spotify Classics, curated by the streaming service’s editorial section.
Introduction:
Spotify is launching a new program aimed at recognizing recent albums that have become streaming classics.
This initiative, which begins today, highlights 30 records from 2015 to the present day in North America, challenging conventional notions of what constitutes a classic album and how artists have reshaped perceptions of album content.
Diverse Selection of Albums:
The curated collection encompasses a wide range of hip-hop and R&B albums, showcasing the evolution of these genres in the streaming era.
Notable albums featured include Rihanna’s “Anti,” Travis Scott’s “Astroworld,” Jay-Z’s “4:44,” Beyoncé’s “Lemonade,” Daniel Caesar’s “Freudian,” Kendrick Lamar’s “To Pimp a Butterfly,” and more. The lineup also includes projects from Frank Ocean, Jazmine Sullivan, Nipsey Hussle, Solange, and Tyler, The Creator.
Accessing the Hub:
The curated selection will be showcased as a hub on the Spotify platform, providing users with easy access to explore and discover these streaming classics. The hub serves as a testament to the enduring impact and cultural significance of these albums.
Insights from Spotify’s Creative Director:
Carl Chery, Spotify’s creative director and head of urban music, emphasizes the importance of celebrating albums as cohesive bodies of work.
He explains that the program aims to recognize albums based on criteria such as quality, impact, influence, and replay value. Chery invites passionate music fans to engage in discussions and share their opinions on the selected albums.
Conclusion:
Spotify’s “Streaming Classics” program celebrates the albums that have left a lasting impression on the streaming landscape.
By spotlighting these records, Spotify acknowledges their cultural relevance and artistic significance, inviting listeners to revisit and appreciate the rich tapestry of music in the streaming era.