Case Study: HAVEN.’s “I Run”

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When AI Suspicion Derails a Breakout Hit

In October 2025, a dance/EDM track called “I Run” by HAVEN. exploded on TikTok. A short teaser posted around October 10 went viral, and within weeks the full song was soundtracking millions of TikTok videos and plays.[1][2]

When “I Run” hit streaming platforms on October 28, 2025, it immediately converted that social momentum into chart performance:

  • Reached #11 on Spotify’s US chart
  • Reached #25 on Spotify’s global chart[3]

At that point, HAVEN. was on track for a likely Billboard Hot 100 debut and a career‑making first release.[1]

Then everything flipped.

As more listeners heard the vocals, fans and industry people began asking a pointed question: “Is this Jorja Smith?” Coverage from Music Ally and others framed “I Run” as the “surely that’s Jorja Smith, isn’t it?” track, and Jorja Smith’s label FAMM publicly alleged that AI was used to replicate her voice.[4][5][3]

Once AI‑impersonation concerns surfaced:

  • Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube removed the original version of “I Run.”[6][7]
  • The track was disqualified by Billboard and the UK Official Charts Company, wiping out its shot at chart history.[7]

A few days later, a new version of “I Run” reappeared on streaming services with a different singer and updated credits.[8][9] But the original viral recording—the one that fans had already attached to emotionally, and the one generating those top‑tier chart positions—remained offline. All new streams and chart data now accrue to the replacement, not the track that actually blew up.

Key takeaway for songwriters and artists:

“I Run” shows how fast AI‑related suspicion alone can erase momentum, income potential, and chart eligibility. Even without a final court ruling, platforms and chart companies acted quickly:

  • Viral TikTok + top‑25 global Spotify traction were not enough to “protect” the track.
  • Once AI impersonation and undisclosed AI use were in question, DSP access and chart status were pulled first, and only then did a cleaned‑up version get a second chance.[6][7][1]

For human songwriters, the lesson is clear: if there is any AI in your recordings—especially around vocals or artist likeness—you need clear disclosure and clean rights before your song is the one under the microscope.

The Math

Based on publicly reported chart positions and typical streaming economics, we can estimate the direct revenue impact of “I Run” being pulled from platforms:

Spotify Performance (Original Version)

  • Peak position: #11 US, #25 Global (late October 2025)
  • Estimated streams in ~3 weeks before removal: Conservatively 15–25 million streams globally[1]
  • Spotify average payout: ~$0.003–$0.004 per stream
  • Estimated gross revenue (before splits): $45,000–$100,000 (global)
  • Assume U.S. only collection: (20% of streams)*: $9,000 – $20,000

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