The hip-hop world’s been reacting to A.I.-generated songs, voice replications, and filters for a while, but it just took a whole new scary step. Moreover, a recent audio clip surfaced on social media of an A.I.-generated verse from Jay-Z, complete with lyrics and voice mimicry as if it was a recorded product. After it exploded on the Internet, some of hip-hop’s most notable behind-the-scenes figures (and greatest defenders) spoke out against it. However, perhaps “scary” isn’t the right word, as leaders like Young Guru are more concerned with how this will tangibly impact artists. He acknowledges that technology will continue to evolve and shape itself regardless, but that we must be ready to protect our art.
“I’ve been trying to tell everyone that this is where we are now with AI,” he wrote on Instagram, posting the clip in question. “For some reason this one got everyone’s attention. So what do we do. On one hand I’m well aware that you can’t stop technology. Once the genie is out of the box you can put him back in. On the other hand we have to protect the rights of the artist. Not only artist but everyone in society. People should not be able to take your Name, Image and Likeness without permission. We have to add the voice to this law.”
Young Guru Posts Words Of Concern After A.I. Jay-Z Verse
“We have to learn from past mistakes,” he continued. “You would be a fool to chase every person that is going to do this. We learned that lesson with Napster. The only way I see to deal with it is to change the law. There are so many different opinions. We could change the United States law tomorrow but the internet is world wide. What a time we live in!!”
Furthermore, 9th Wonder commented “My God,” and DJ Clark Kent wrote, “This is terrible.” While Guru previously warned fans of A.I. thanks to a Kendrick Lamar voice filter that can alter one’s voice to mimic his, this is an even deeper issue. As such, the hip-hop world might be intimidated by technology, but seems as committed as ever to defending its roots, culture and artistry. For more on Young Guru, Jay-Z, and A.I.’s revolutionary (and worrisome) evolution in music, stick around on HNHH.