Jermaine Dupri is questioning the way forward for music and what it means to be genuine. The producer and songwriter took to X to specific his frustration in regards to the rising reputation of AI-created artists. “So let me get this right,” he wrote. “Years ago the industry found out that Milli Vanilli weren’t really the voices on their Grammy-winning record, and they were stripped of their Grammy, but now we’re getting ready to accept people who can’t even sing, creating songs for a fake person? How is this any different than Milli Vanilli?” His feedback rapidly drew consideration from followers and business insiders who agreed that know-how may be blurring the road between actual expertise and synthetic creations.

To perceive Dupri’s comparability, it helps to revisit the Milli Vanilli controversy. The German pop duo achieved huge fame with their debut album “All or Nothing,” which later turned generally known as “Girl You Know It’s True.” Their hit songs and dance routines made them international stars, however it was later revealed that they by no means really sang on their recordings. The revelation led to the group being stripped of their Grammy for Best New Artist, a second that turned one of many greatest scandals in music historical past.

Now, many years later, Dupri is seeing historical past repeat itself in a brand new type. AI artist Xania Monet just lately turned the primary digital performer to succeed in Billboard’s Adult R&B Airplay chart with the track “How Was I Supposed to Know?” Her creator, Mississippi poet Telisha “Nikki” Jones, mentioned that Xania represents her inventive imaginative and prescient and creativity. “Technology’s evolving,” Jones advised CBS Mornings. “Everyone has different ways of putting in work to get to where they’re at. I don’t feel a way about it.”

The debate continues to develop as artists, producers, and followers query whether or not the business is celebrating innovation or dropping sight of authenticity altogether.