Artificial intelligence (AI) in music creation is sparking intense debate in the industry, with well-known figures like Ye (formerly Kanye West) leading the conversation. Recently, podcaster Analytic Dreamz discussed on his show, Notorious Mass Effect, the potential for Ye to use AI in his music in ways that wouldn’t push fans away. Dreamz expressed excitement about the idea, saying, “Somebody gotta do it… This is about to be the future.” He believes that AI, if used effectively, could help artists keep their unique sound without needing to record everything themselves.
Dreamz’s comments come amid rumors about Ye’s latest album, Vultures 2, where fans have noticed what they think might be AI-generated vocals. Some listeners pointed out altered vocals in tracks like “SKY CITY,” sparking talk about AI’s role in the album’s production. This discussion mirrors a larger trend in the music industry, where major labels might start using AI more, possibly reducing their reliance on human artists.
But AI in music isn’t without controversy. Earlier this year, Drake ran into legal trouble after releasing a diss track titled “Taylor Made Freestyle” that featured an AI-generated verse mimicking Tupac Shakur’s voice. Tupac’s estate quickly issued a cease-and-desist letter, calling Drake’s use of Shakur’s likeness a “blatant abuse.” The track was taken down from all platforms, showing the legal and ethical issues AI-generated music can raise, particularly regarding copyright and artist permission.
As the industry faces these challenges, some artists are beginning to view AI as a new creative tool. Dreamz admits his stance might be unpopular among traditionalists, but he thinks artists like Ye could benefit from these technological advancements. Discussions around AI in music creation are growing, with many predicting it could change how music is made and consumed in the coming years.
While AI brings huge opportunities, the risks of misusing an artist’s likeness are still a big concern. Drake’s experience and ongoing debates about Ye’s work highlight the need for a careful balance between creativity and legal rights. How artists and labels choose to engage with these new technologies may shape the future of music.
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Sources:
[2] https://www.fox5ny.com/news/artificial-intelligence-and-the-music-industry
[4] https://www.stopthebreaks.com/hip-hop-news/kanye-west-fans-claim-ai-was-used-on-vultures-2/
[5] https://www.ohio.edu/news/2024/04/how-ai-transforming-creative-economy-music-industry
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