Internationally acclaimed rapper Bad Bunny, renowned for his striking influence in the music world with over 83 million monthly listeners on Spotify, recently expressed his strong disapproval over an AI-generated TikTok track. This track, which has amassed hundreds of thousands of views, controversially features AI-replicated vocals of Bad Bunny along with those of other stars like Justin Bieber and Daddy Yankee.
“You don’t deserve to be my friend,” the singer wrote in Spanish. “I don’t want them on the tour either.”
NostalgIA
Bad Bunny, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, conveyed his frustration through a message on his WhatsApp channel. He bluntly told his fans that anyone who appreciated the AI song titled “NostalgIA” should exit his group chat. The song, uploaded by the user flowgptmusic, showcases the complex and emerging issues surrounding AI in music. Notably, there is no verified connection between the uploader and FlowGPT, an AI platform similar to ChatGPT.
The 29-year-old artist, celebrated for hits like “Monaco” and “Fina,” has also been the subject of media attention for his rumoured relationship with model Kendall Jenner, though neither has confirmed it.
Growing Concerns
This incident reflects a growing concern in the music industry about AI’s use, as also highlighted in a recent article by the AI Insider. Pop icon Cher, a pioneer in using technology in music, expressed her disapproval of AI following a fake rendition of her voice performing a Madonna song. Despite her groundbreaking use of auto-tune, Cher criticized the current trend of AI for being excessive and infringing on artists’ identities.
Cher’s experience, much like Bad Bunny’s, underscores the complexities and ethical considerations surrounding AI in entertainment. She lamented over an AI-created track imitating her voice, emphasizing how AI technology could exploit an artist’s lifetime of work and individuality without consent. Her concerns echo across the entertainment industry, with professionals in music, film, and television increasingly alarmed about being replaced or replicated without fair compensation or recognition.
This escalating debate is not just confined to the realm of music. Google’s reported negotiations with major music labels to acquire voice and melody licenses for AI-generated songs, allowing artists to opt out, signify a broader industry shift. However, Cher remains steadfast in her view, considering the adoption of such technology as a step back, underscoring the tension between innovation and ethical considerations in the rapidly evolving entertainment landscape. As this issue unfolds, figures like Bad Bunny and Cher are at the forefront, voicing their concerns and shaping the conversation about the future of AI in the arts.
Featured image: Bad Bunny. Credit: Wikipedia
