Cancel Culture & Music: Should Certain Artists Be Removed From Our Playlists?

In recent years, cancel culture has moved far beyond social media debates and into everyday spaces, clubs, weddings, festivals, radio stations, and DJ playlists. A question I get more often than people might expect is: Are you okay with hearing songs from artists like R. Kelly, Michael Jackson, P. Diddy, or more recently Nicki Minaj because of her political views? And the bigger question behind that is, should these artists be completely blocked from playlists, or should the music still be allowed to play?

There isn’t a simple yes or no answer. Music is emotional, personal, and deeply tied to memories. But at the same time, it doesn’t exist in a vacuum.

Separating the Art From the Artist

For decades, people have argued that art should be judged separately from the person who created it. Many of these songs were soundtracks to major life moments, irst dances, family parties, club nights, or cultural milestones. For some, turning off a Michael Jackson or R. Kelly record feels like erasing part of their own history.

But for others, the allegations and actions tied to certain artists make it impossible to hear the music without discomfort. In those cases, pressing “play” can feel like ignoring very real harm. Both perspectives are valid—and that’s where the tension lives.

The Role of Context

Context matters. What might be acceptable in someone’s car or personal playlist can feel completely different in a public setting. As DJs and event professionals, we aren’t just playing songs, we’re reading rooms. A packed dance floor is built on energy, but also on awareness.

In recent years, many DJs and venues have quietly retired certain tracks. Not always out of public protest, but out of respect for guests who may feel triggered or uncomfortable. The goal isn’t censorship, it’s creating a space where people feel good, safe, and included.

Political Views vs. Criminal Allegations

There’s also an important distinction to make. Criminal allegations and proven misconduct are very different from controversial political views. With artists like Nicki Minaj, the conversation shifts from criminal accountability to personal ideology. Some listeners feel strongly about where artists stand politically; others believe music should stay separate from those beliefs.

This raises another tough question: If we start removing artists based on opinions, where does it end? Many musicians across genres hold views that not everyone agrees with some just aren’t as loud about it.

So… Cancel or Let It Roll?

My take? It’s less about “canceling” and more about intentional choices. Playlists don’t need to be ruled by guilt or nostalgia alone. They should reflect the moment, the audience, and the values of the space.

At GG Entertainment, the priority is always the crowd in front of us. That means listening, not just to the music, but to the cultural conversation happening around it. Some songs still go off. Others quietly stay in the archives. And sometimes, a conversation with a client determines what makes the final cut.

Music has always evolved alongside society. What we celebrate, what we question, and what we leave behind says a lot about where we’re headed. Cancel culture isn’t about erasing history, it’s  about accountability, awareness, and making room for new voices to rise.

At the end of the day, everyone has their own line. Some let the song play. Some hit skip. Neither choice is wrong, as long as it’s made consciously.

And maybe that’s the real takeaway: it’s okay to question what’s on the playlist.