Streaming giant Spotify has reportedly removed around 25 million streams from songs by American rapper 21 Savage, according to a report by music news outlet Kurrco.
The alleged stream removal, which reportedly occurred on Sunday, has sparked widespread speculation online, with rumours suggesting that automated bots may have artificially inflated numbers for the rapper’s latest album, What Happened To The Streets?. Spotify has not issued an official explanation regarding the reported action.
The development quickly set social media ablaze, with fans reacting through memes and jokes. Some users referenced lyrics from J. Cole’s verse on 21 Savage’s hit track A Lot, which touches on the issue of fake streams, while others jokingly suggested the album’s title be changed to What Happened To The Streams?.
Released in December, What Happened To The Streets? debuted at number three on the US Billboard 200 chart, earning 73,000 album-equivalent units in its first week. The project features a star-studded lineup of collaborators, including Young Nudy, Latto, Drake, GloRilla, G Herbo, Metro Boomin, Lil Baby and Jawan Harris.
Beyond the streaming controversy, 21 Savage recently found himself at the centre of debate after posting a viral “f**k the streets” message on X while commenting on the feud between Young Thug and Gunna. The statement quickly gained traction online and was echoed by Young Thug, further fueling discussions across the hip-hop community.
While some fans embraced the sentiment, several prominent artists, including NBA YoungBoy, Fivio Foreign and 6ix9ine, publicly criticised the message, keeping 21 Savage in the headlines weeks after the album’s release.
As of now, neither Spotify nor 21 Savage has formally addressed the reported stream removal.
