Spotify to offer algorithmic boost in exchange for lower royalty payments (thefader.com)

Back in the day that was called payola. The producers who can afford a reduced rate (reduced from the already miniscule payments producers get) can get inserted into the rotation more often. So what you're hearing as a user isn't what's more popular, or chosen for some kind of artistic value; you're hearing what producers have paid for.

That seems disingenuous towards their (paying) users. I guess their never promised "music neutrality" but still ...

Funny as they also also announced price raises last week, talk about winning on both ends.