but streaming is being taken over by payola too.

but Rihanna's entire career success has been based off radio airplay sis.

streaming is no different as major label control the playlist by paying them just like radio.
all those streaming hits are paid by label.

Queen. She's so real

Rihanna is big on both radio AND streaming tho

This doesn't answer the initial question. It was still payola, no matter how soon or late used.

No. They started playing it because of how big it had become.

What does she think Wrecking Ball was?

Also this. Spotify and Apple Music playlists are mostly paid off by labels too. It really works no differently than terrestrial radio, other than the fact that smaller artists at least have a chance to show up in the playlists now too.

Here we go again.

she's signed to a major label and has used payola herself many times

she is so insufferable jfc

That's why she is saying it. She has experienced this so she is exposing the politics of the industry.

She's not saying " Oh I've never done payola".

You're such an ignorant idiot.

EDIT: and your fave has the same manager/team as Miley so idk why you're criticizing

Except none of her single had a radio deal? And both WCS and Adore You flopped on radio.

Justice for We Can't Stop.

Love Miley and the tea she spills.

Just wish her music was good too.

Bangerz & Breakout say hi.

I mean, she's right. The minute artists stop paying they're no longer radio darlings. That's why it's filled with a bunch of young rising stars or those early in their careers - the labels know it's the only way they can become popular.