AI Revolution in Music? Tyga Shakes Up Debate with AI Album Admission!

The West Coast rapper Tyga recently addressed the persistent allegations surrounding the use of artificial intelligence in the production of his '80s-inspired album, "Tyga," which features his '$tarface' alter-ego. In a candid interview with VIBE, Tyga explicitly admitted to employing the AI music generator Suno. He revealed that the technology was utilized for specific elements within his music, such as crafting distinctive '80s synths and even generating a guitar solo, definitively putting an end to the ongoing speculation.

Tyga defended his decision to use AI, drawing a parallel between its current controversial reception and the initial backlash against Auto-Tune in the mid-2000s. He articulated his belief that technology should be embraced as a tool for artistic creation. "I've never spoken on this with anybody because I always felt like it's similar to a magician explaining how he does his tricks," Tyga stated, explaining his initial reluctance to discuss the matter. He further elaborated, "It's supposed to give you an experience and a feeling. But we definitely used AI as a [tool]... It's no different than when Auto-Tune came out. Some people were opposed to it, but real artists took it and used it." Importantly, Tyga stressed that despite using AI for instrumental components, all the lyrical writing and vocal performances on the album are entirely his own, reinforcing his creative ownership of the core artistic output.

The rumors surrounding AI use intensified earlier in the summer, ignited by Shoreline Mafia's Fenix Flexin's '80s-inspired single "RUBBERZ," which sparked widespread discussion. Subsequently, social media footage emerged showing Tyga and Fenix Flexin collaborating on a song titled "Lavish," which prominently featured the same '80s-pop-leaning synth elements, leading many to connect the dots to AI production.

However, Tyga clarified the timing and nature of their joint venture. He explained that their shared exploration of the '80s sound was a coincidence rather than a planned collaboration to leverage AI. "Nah, we just did the ‘Lavish’ record," Tyga responded when asked about any pre-planning. He continued, "But when he came to the studio, I was already deep into working on my ‘80s-sounding music. I had already played him some stuff." Recognizing their similar artistic wavelengths, Tyga saw an opportunity for collaboration: "So, when I saw what he was doing, I was like, ‘Oh, this is fire! We should do this record together because I see you on a similar wave. I think it was just cool to do, you know?" He also mentioned that a video for "Lavish" would be released soon, although the track ultimately did not fit the specific aesthetic of his '$tarface' project.

Tyga's forthright admission underscores an evolving perspective on technology in music, positioning AI as another legitimate tool for artists to innovate and enhance their creative processes, rather than a replacement for human artistry.