The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in music has been a hot topic for a while now, but so far, we’ve only seen the tip of the iceberg of implications advanced algorithms can have for the recording industry. While artists speak out against the use of generative AI in the creation of songs and the Recording Academy grapples with its legitimacy for Grammy Awards, courts around the world are now being confronted with the use of AI in schemes aimed at defrauding streaming platforms with AI-generated songs and streams.
According to the Associated Press, one such case currently being litigated revolves around a North Carolina man who created hundreds of thousands of songs using AI, then streamed those songs billions of times to generate over $10 million in royalty payments for himself, cheating legitimate musicians and labels out of potential profits from streamers’ royalty pools. The man, 52-year-old Michael Smith, is charged with fraud and conspiracy, and could face around 60 years in prison if convicted.
By creating thousands of phony accounts on services such as Apple, Spotify, and Tidal, Smith streamed his AI-generated songs upwards of 600,000 times a day. In the federal indictment against him, Smith is quoted as boasting about his profits — over $1 million a year since 2018, when he allegedly launched the conspiracy alongside a music promoter and the chief executive of an AI music company — in an email. He even denied that what he was doing was fraud, when a music distributor questioned him about it.
Whether he genuinely did realize it was fraud or was just covering, it’s clear that the technology has upended the recording industry yet again, and that the potential posed by AI don’t only affect artists.
With the growth of AI in nearly every industry, workers have begun taking up arms to protect their jobs from the encroachment of AI replacements. In 2023, the Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) and the Writers of Guild of America (WGA) both went on strike against the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMTP) after strikes that were some of the longest held in the film and TV industry, SAG-AFTRA and the WGA were able to obtain protections for their members against use of AI without consent or compensation.
This dispute has arisen between video game developers and the actors who provide the voices and images for their video game characters. Effective July 26th, Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) members who perform in video games have gone on strike against video game companies signed onto the Interactive Media Agreement. After a year and a half of negotiations over the Interactive Media Agreement, the video game companies still refuse to affirm outright that video game voice actors will be granted rights over how their voice, image, and work are used in training AI or creating AI-generated copies.
These negotiations began in October 2022, and while agreement has been reached on most other important points, AI protections have split the two sides. SAG-AFTRA asks that any game looking to employ SAG-AFTRA talent be signed onto the new Tiered-Budget Independent Interactive Media Agreement and the Interim Interactive Media Agreement or the Interim Interactive Localization Agreement. These agreements aim to give SAG-AFTRA members the right of consent to use their faces, voices, and bodies by AI, which are rights that performers in film and TV already have. Without these protections, video game companies could use AI to replicate performers without compensation or consent and would put them out of work. These Agreements force video game companies to be upfront about their intentions and obtain the consent of actors they seek to replicate through AI.
The strike was authorized on September 24th, 2023, with a 98.32% yes vote. Similar strikes in the industry have benefitted entertainers and creatives, so SAG-AFTRA feels confident that it can ultimately achieve the same results. That said, the strike will be an uphill battle, with SAG-AFTRA members striking against the video game industry titans, including divisions of Activision, EA, Insomniac, Warner Brothers, and Disney.
The RIAA is taking a stand against the highly controversial use of AI in music. According to AllHipHop and CNN, The Recording Industry Association of America is filing two lawsuits against a pair of companies in the space for their contributions to the creation of “BBL Drizzy”. The latter quickly went viral during its use in the Drake versus Kendrick Lamar beef, mainly due to Metro Boomin. The superstar producer initiated a challenge to other rappers to give their best stuff over the instrumental. Whoever won the contest would receive $10,000 reward and a free beat. However, the original “BBL Drizzy” sample can be credited to internet comedian, King Willonius.
The latter used the AI platform, Udio, which is itself developed by Uncharted Labs. The RIAA is targeting the latter, as well as Suno. The organization feels it is entirely necessary to approach it in this way because they feel that both are performing “blatant infringement”. Neither Uncharted Labs nor Suno have commented on the impending legal action, according to CNN.
In the paperwork from the RIAA, their overarching argument is this, “If developed with the permission and participation of copyright owners, generative AI tools will be able to assist humans in creating and producing new and innovative music. [But] without regard for fundamental copyright protections”, there could be “irreparable harm”, as well as a “[reduction] the quality of new music”. Furthermore, the RIAA adds, “These digital music files have been released to the public—some already finding their way onto the major streaming services—and compete with the copyrighted sound recordings that enabled their creation; yet Suno sought no permission from and gives no credit or compensation to the human artists or other rightsholders whose works fueled their creation”.
What are your thoughts on the RIAA suing two AI companies for their contributions to the “BBL Drizzy” sample? How do you see this lawsuit playing out and why? Do you think if these entities are sued, it could deter further developments? Was this “BBL Drizzy” challenge a top five moment in the Drake versus Kendrick battle? We would like to hear what you have to say, so leave your thoughts in the comments. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest news surrounding this lawsuit. Finally, stay with us for everything else going on in the music world.
The use of AI technology in music, but especially in general, has a lot of people upset and frightened. However, it does not seem like it is going to stop evolving any time soon. Like all things in life, it has its benefits and drawbacks. Only time will tell if people stick to being against it or come around to the idea. But right now, it seems like the general consensus is that its ruining authenticity. That is certainly a valid argument, and it is one that GRAMMY award-winning singer Sheryl Crow is using against Drake. According to AllHipHop, the “Soak Up The Sun” songwriter vented her frustrations with BBC in a feature about this, but also her personal experience with AI, and thoughts on it overall.
Part of the reason this was a topic in the first place was because the longtime vocalist talks about the controversial tech on her new album, Evolution. Specifically, this message is spread on the title track as it refers to a time when a producer replaced her vocals with AI John Mayer. With the Drake and Kendrick Lamar beef being so public, artists even like Sheryl Crow know generally what has been going on in hip-hop. As we said, the Missouri native was more than displeased with the Canadian superstar, labeling his action as “hateful”, and “antithetical to the life force that exists in all of us”.
Crow continued, “You cannot bring people back from the dead and believe that they would stand for that. I’m sure Drake thought, ‘Yeah, I shouldn’t do it, but I’ll say sorry later.’ But it’s already done, and people will find it even if he takes it down”. “Taylor Made Freestyle” was eventually removed due to a cease-and-desist from legal representatives for Tupac’s estate. But she does have a strong point, as what goes on the internet, stays there forever. That is partially why Crow is nervous for society, but also for her kids. She told her teenagers, “‘You’re growing up with this thing and it doesn’t seem dangerous to you because you’re a frog in a pot of water. But the water is only just starting to boil, and you won’t realize it’s getting hotter until we’re all floating on the top’”.
What are your thoughts on Sheryl Crow putting Drake on blast for using an AI Tupac feature? Are her criticisms valid, why or why not? Do you agree or disagree with her thoughts on the technology in general? Is Drake at the lowest point in his career right now? We would like to hear what you have to say, so leave your thoughts in the comments. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest news surrounding Drake. Finally, stay with us for everything else going on in the music world.
Traditionally, music interviews are between a journalist and an artist. The medium can sometimes break free of that format, though. Sometimes, artists interview each other. Then there’s the latest one from The Weeknd. In it, he interviews himself, except it’s himself at 10 years old, except it’s himself at 10 years old as portrayed via AI.
This was arranged by SSENSE, who used ChatGPT to create a “realistic” chatbot version of young Abel Tesfaye, with which present-day Tesfaye had an era-spanning conversation.
The chat starts with talk about TV shows. The Weeknd notes he’s been watching King Of The Hill and AI Tesfaye responds, “King of the Hill sounds like a big adventure! I imagine sitting on a hill being the king of everything I see!” It then asks real The Weeknd if they can make a cartoon of their own together someday.
From there, the two talk about God, imagination, their mother, and more. Depending on your views on AI, the whole thing is either sweet or perhaps a little bit unsettling and strange. At the very least, it’s an interesting exercise in creative use of technology, more of a creative writing endeavor than a journalistic interview.
Elon Musk says he plans to ban all Apple products from his companies after they announced a partnership with OpenAI at WWDC 2024, earlier this week. When CEO Tim Cook shared the news on X (formerly Twitter), Musk weighed in with serious criticism of the move.
“Don’t want it. Either stop this creepy spyware or all Apple devices will be banned from the premises of my companies,” he wrote at first. He added: “If Apple integrates OpenAI at the OS level, then Apple devices will be banned at my companies. That is an unacceptable security violation. And visitors will have to check their Apple devices at the door, where they will be stored in a Faraday cage.” From there, he ranted: “It’s patently absurd that Apple isn’t smart enough to make their own AI, yet is somehow capable of ensuring that OpenAI will protect your security & privacy! Apple has no clue what’s actually going on once they hand your data over to OpenAI. They’re selling you down the river.”
Elon Musk Speaks At Milken Institute’s Global Conference
BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA – MAY 6: Elon Musk, co-founder of Tesla and SpaceX and owner of X Holdings Corp., speaks at the Milken Institute’s Global Conference at the Beverly Hilton Hotel,on May 6, 2024 in Beverly Hills, California. The 27th annual global conference explores various topics, from the rise of generative AI to electric vehicle trends and features participants, soccer star David Beckham and actor Ashton Kutcher. (Photo by Apu Gomes/Getty Images)
OpenAI is best known for creating ChatGPT. “Suppose you want to create a custom bedtime story for your six-year-old who loves butterflies and solving riddles,” Apple software chief Craig Federighi said during the conference. “Put in your initial idea, and send to ChatGPT.” OpenAI has also already landed a multibillion-dollar deal with Microsoft.
Elon Musk Calls Out Apple For AI Implementation
Don’t want it.
Either stop this creepy spyware or all Apple devices will be banned from the premises of my companies.
It’s patently absurd that Apple isn’t smart enough to make their own AI, yet is somehow capable of ensuring that OpenAI will protect your security & privacy!
Apple has no clue what’s actually going on once they hand your data over to OpenAI. They’re selling you down the river.
Joe Budden seemingly dissed his former podcast co-hosts, Rory and Mal, in a freestyle over Drake’s “Family Matters,” earlier this week. “It’s clear to me you can’t see the books/ It’s clear to me you think I’m a crook,” Budden raps at one point, addressing the rumors of the financial issues that led to their separation. When Elliott Wilson shared the freestyle on social media, Budden replied with, “AI smh.”
Fans shared plenty of laughs in response to the post. “They tried to AI the cohosts laughs too… nobody can AI Ish laugh fam,” one user wrote. “It’s clear you didn’t speak to your lawyer is hilarious! Please,” another added. Others flooded the section with laughing emojis.
NEW YORK, NY – JULY 21: (L-R) Mal, Joe Budden, and Rory attend the Joe Budden Podcast Live at Highline Ballroom on July 21, 2017, in New York City. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/WireImage)
Rory and Mal previously labeled Budden a “thief” and a “cat burglar” over their allegations about a financial disagreement. They also criticized him after Complex named him the number one voice in Hip Hop media in a list, last year. Budden seemingly responded during an episode of his podcast. “Instead of critiquing people’s placement on this list, we need more critiquing on why you’re not on it,” he said at the time. “To everyone not on it, shut the f*ck up. There’s some steps that you n****s have missed.” Check out Budden’s A.I.-created freestyle below.
Joe Budden Clears The Air Under Elliott Wilson’s Post
In other Budden news, he used Wednesday’s episode of his podcast to finally speak on the allegations against Diddy and the latest video of him appearing to assault Cassie at a hotel in 2016. In doing so, Budden labeled the Bad Boy mogul a “lying sack of sh*t.” Be on the lookout for further updates on Joe Budden on HotNewHipHop.
Nicki Minaj is not the biggest fan of A.I. technology in music, and as such, fans can’t tell whether a recent tweet is her joking or not. Moreover, she recently reacted on Twitter to an artificial intelligence-generated cover of her hit song “Super Bass,” but in the style of 1970s soul and funk. “I hate yall so bad for this,” Queen Barb quote-tweeted the cover itself, and it’s kind of hard to tell whether she’s serious or she’s joking. After all, sometimes that language isn’t as mean as it comes across on paper, but it’s also entirely possible that she’s tired of seeing A.I. take over in this way.
Furthermore, it’s very understandable why Nicki Minaj would want her classics preserved, especially in the face of edits without her approval. That being said, it’s very clear to see that no one, whether it’s a person or an A.I. generated creation, will be able to replace her sheer energy and passion. These are the kinds of qualities that make the ongoing Pink Friday 2 world tour a record-breaking and wondrous run for fans, which they couldn’t be happier with. No matter how hard the computer tries, it will never be able to capture crowds’ imaginations, joys, and spirits quite like that.
Elsewhere, Nicki Minaj is also defending herself with words, not just with her astonishments, like her current legal action against a blogger over defamatory comments. The social media user allegedly accused her of being a “cokehead” all the way back around 2022, when the lawsuit emerged. The Trinidadian MC requested a status update on the case, as apparently the defendant took a long time to reply and still didn’t meet an extension. In addition, she accused the blogger of unfulfilled compliance with discovery requests.
Meanwhile, there are some other legal issues on Nicki Minaj’s horizon right now, but it seems like they will all stay pretty controlled. It’s not like any of them have been able to stop the Pink Friday 2 world tour’s success, nor its headliner’s massive reach. But what could one day get in the way is if A.I. technology runs rampant and cheats musicians out of their likeness, voice, image, and therefore money. And it doesn’t look like Roman will let that happen.
On Thursday morning, May 2, Universal Music Group and TikTok shared a joint press release confirming “a new multi-dimensional licensing agreement that will deliver significant industry-leading benefits for UMG’s global family of artists, songwriters, and labels and will return their music to TikTok’s billion-plus global community.”
The joint agreement marks a new era of strategic collaboration between the two organizations, built on a shared commitment to help UMG’s artists and songwriters achieve their creative and commercial potential,” the press release outlines. “By harnessing TikTok’s best-in-class technology, marketing and promotional capabilities, UMG and TikTok will deliver improved remuneration for UMG’s songwriters and artists, new promotional and engagement opportunities for their recordings and songs and industry-leading protections with respect to generative AI.”
The press release additionally emphasizes a commitment to “new monetization opportunities utilizing TikTok’s growing e-commerce capabilities,” “artist-centric tools,” and “to protect human artistry.”
Following a cease-and-desist letter issued to Drake, the Canadian superstar has removed the “Taylor Made Freestyle” diss track directed at Kendrick Lamar. Originally posted on Instagram, the single used an AI-generated Tupac voice to provoke Lamar.
According to Billboard, the estate threatened to sue and stated the voice was “a flagrant violation” and “blatant use” of Pac’s legacy.
The message was delivered via a cease-and-desist letter filed by Howard King, requesting Drake pull the song within 24 hours or face all of the estate’s “legal remedies.”
“The Estate is deeply dismayed and disappointed by your unauthorized use of Tupac’s voice and personality,” King wrote in the letter. “Not only is the record a flagrant violation of Tupac’s publicity and the estate’s legal rights, it is also a blatant abuse of the legacy of one of the greatest hip-hop artists of all time. The Estate would never have given its approval for this use.”
Additionally, the letter reads, “The unauthorized, equally dismaying use of Tupac’s voice against Kendrick Lamar, a good friend to the Estate who has given nothing but respect to Tupac and his legacy publicly and privately, compounds the insult.”
Last Friday (April 19) on Instagram, Drake dropped off the “Taylor Made Freestyle.”
Upon pressing play, you will hear something you wouldn’t expect: Tupac’s voice. The single opens with an AI Tupac verse requesting KDot stand up for the West Coast. It is followed by an AI Snoop Dogg asking for the same.
AI Tupac raps: Fuck this Canadian lightskin, Dot We need an undebated West Coast victory, man Call him a bitch for me Talk about him liking young girls, that’s a gift from me Heard it on the Budden Podcast, it’s gotta be true They told me the spirit of Makaveli is alive In the nigga under five-foot five, so it’s gotta be you
AI Snoop added: ‘Cause right now it’s looking like you writing out the game plan on how to lose How to bark up the wrong tree and then get your head popped in a crowded room World is watching this chess game, but are you out of moves?
After that, Drake pops in for his own slick talk: The first one really only took me an hour or two The next one is really ’bout to bring out the coward in you But now we gotta wait a fucking week ’cause Taylor Swift is your new Top And if you ’bout to drop, she gotta approve
Since “Like That,” your tone changed a little, you not as enthused How are you not in the booth? It feel like you kinda removed You tryna let this shit die down, nah, nah, nah Not this time, nigga, you followin’ through
He ends the song with a message, “I know you’re in that NY apartment, you struggling right now I know it.”
Former Death Row head Suge Knight doesn’t like Drake’s “Taylor Made Freestyle” diss to Kendrick Lamar. Not because it attacked Lamar but because it put 2Pac and Snoop’s voices together on the song.
Speaking on his Collect Call with Suge Knight podcast from Breakbeat Media, Suge said, “Putting him on a song and dissing Kendrick for everybody entertainment–that ain’t how it go.”
He added, “Then putting him on a song with Snoop, who was a part of his downfall and exit, ain’t ever a good look. Pac was a king on that chessboard. He never was a pawn, so he can’t make him be a pawn now.”
(@KingWillonius) 
