Usually, rappers only have their contemporaries to worry about as competition. Now, they’re facing the threat of artificial intelligence more fiercely than ever before. In recent weeks, a slew of videos have surfaced online, unveiling what our favourite artists would sound like singing songs from other people’s discographies thanks to the power of computer technology. Some programs are even penning new lyrics and putting vocals from artists like Drake and The Weeknd behind them to generate authentic-sounding fake singles that have been generating plenty of buzz online.
As HipHopDX notes, Friday (April 14), saw a YouTube account called ghostwriter upload a track called “heart on my sleeve.” They described it as a “Drake AI song featuring The Weeknd.” Over the beat, we hear a voice eerily similar to Drizzy’s name-dropping a fellow Canadian and his beauty guru ex-girlfriend. “I came in with my ex like Selena to flex / Bumping Justin Bieber the fever ain’t left / She know all she need, I need her she blessed, giving her my best,” the lyrics begin. “I got my heart on my sleeve with a knife in my back what’s with that? / (Aye) 21, I love him that my brother that’s my slatt,” Drake’s verse continues.
The Weeknd and Drake Come Together via AI
For The Weeknd’s part, he also sings about Selena Gomez, who he previously dated. “Got these pearls on my neck, got these girls on my check like Selena baby / Oh my genie maybe yeah, she taking the Lambo for a drive using the fancy door,” The Idol star’s AI voice rings out. “When she went out the store, I throw my heart on my sleeve.” For many artists, hearing their source of revenue recreated so effortlessly online is certainly jarring, to say the least.
The Scorpion hitmaker experienced it earlier this week as well. At the time, he heard himself rapping Ice Spice’s “Munch (Feelin’ U)” thanks to modern technology. Champagne Papi shared it on his Instagram Story, giving many of his millions of followers a laugh. If hearing The Weeknd and Drake on a song together has you feeling nostalgic for their past collaborations, revisit fan favourites like “The Zone” or “Crew Love” below.
Revisit the Canadian Artists’ Real Collaborative Efforts Below
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