Fans are up in arms following the discovery that several recently released DMX tracks feature the posthumous artist’s vocals reconstructed through artificial intelligence. But the indie label behind the drops claims their intentions were respectful.
No time to read?
- Cleopatra Records confirmed using AI to complete DMX’s “Silent Night”, stirring debate.
- While the label says AI was respectful, many fans feel it fails to capture DMX’s essence without his involvement.
- The controversy has ignited discussion around AI’s role in works of deceased talents and related ethical questions.
Read on for a deeper look at the new music stirring up heated debates, what the label says about their techniques, and why some fans feel this crosses an ethical line. Was advanced tech utilized appropriately or taken too far after the artist’s tragic passing?
Three songs surfaced on streaming platforms in recent months: “Silent Night” in October and “Halloween From Miami to LA” and “Long Live X” in September. Eager listeners were left questioning whether they were truly hearing DMX’s signature raspy delivery or something that lacked the late rapper’s essence.
Responding to backlash, Cleopatra Records confirmed AI played a role in completing “Silent Night” by training technology on DMX’s vocal style. They also note posthumous tracks weren’t finalized without the artist’s approval from their decade-long partnership. But were these methods respectful or going too far after his death?
On social media, comments like “it’s so disrespectful” and criticisms that the AI attempt didn’t fully capture X’s distinctive flow show opinions are mixed. Some see benefits if done right but worry the tech isn’t there yet for replicating human artistry, especially without the artist’s direct involvement.
The debate highlights major ethical questions around using AI to generate new creative works from deceased talents. With technology advancing rapidly, discussions will only intensify on both the opportunities and limitations.
For a closer look at exactly what was said, the factors fueling both sides of the discussion, and what this potentially means moving forward, dive into the full breakdown below.
The backstory:
Three tracks released by Cleopatra Records in recent months are at the center of the controversy:
- “Silent Night” (October 2023)
- “Halloween From Miami to LA” (September 2023)
- “Long Live X” featuring Sickick (September 2023)
Fans first took issue with the songs on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), noticing something seemed off about the vocal recreation. This prompted a response from the label.
According to label founder Brian Perera, “Silent Night” was completed with “partial assistance of AI technology, specifically trained on DMX’s unique vocal style.” They insisted this was done “with the utmost respect for his artistry.”
Perera emphasized their close decade-long partnership with DMX, claiming he “approved each element” and received ongoing royalties from works. But some question if posthumous validation is truly possible.
On platforms like HotNewHipHop and songs like “Halloween” clearly lacked DMX’s gritty textures and accentuated rhythms, yet the label shows no signs of slowing AI-infused releases. With no input from the late artist, ethics become a sticking point for fans and observers.
Read more: 6 Best AI music generators: Every creator should know these tools
As the tech progresses, its role in resurrecting lost talents will stir ongoing discussion. In DMX’s case, was partial AI integration respectful or does it cross a line? Fans remain divided as the debate’s implications expand far beyond a single artist’s catalog.
In the end, evaluating new norms around AI and deceased creators requires considering all perspectives – including those of devoted fans who feel a special connection to DMX’s irreplaceable artistry. Only time will tell how such technology might honor his legacy or potentially obscure it.
Rap trailblazers hold immense cultural importance requiring sensitive handling after death. As AI rapidly progresses, its role in continuing lost artist’s works through machine learning will stir complex discussions.
In DMX’s case, was partial AI integration respectful continuation or does it dishonor the man? Reasonable minds can disagree. As technology outpaces regulation, understanding all viewpoints seems most prudent path forward.
