Artificial Intelligence?
Though many of the gadgets and gizmos disused in this article made their debut in the late 80s and 90s, generative AI just could potentially prove to have one of the longest-lasting impacts on hip hop, and maybe all music in years to come. Earlier this year, a creator used AI software to convincingly replicate Drake and The Weeknd’s vocals on a track called Heart On My Sleeve. The song was convincing enough to drive a mini news cycle of listeners who believed it was an authentic new release from the artists. Record labels representing the artists quickly intervened and had the song removed from all major music streaming platforms over copyright concerns.
The debate over AI-generated music, however, is far from over. Current copyright laws aren’t crystal clear about who can own digital representations of an artist’s voice. Artistically, the advancement of this technology could open new doors for hip-hop hopefuls looking to include any number of artists’ digital representations as guest pseudo-guest rappers on their own songs. AI-generated beat makers, meanwhile, could place an infinite arsenal of sounds and backdrops at the fingertips of rappers and lyricists.
