The Intersection of Hip Hop and AI: From GRAMMYs to Cancellation

Artificial intelligence (AI) is well aware of Hip Hop. The recent notable crossover is in Kendrick Lamar’s video for “The Heart Part 5”. The deepfake AI technology allows Kendrick to morph into Nipsey Hussle and Kanye West. A performance that garnered praise, and won GRAMMYs this weekend for “Best Rap Performance” and “Best Rap Song”. 

Late last month, an artificial intelligence app called Historical Figures was released allowing people to text message any of 20,000 historical people. The app was created by 25-year old Amazon software engineer, Sidhant Chaddha. Chaddha said on NBC News that he would like his app to be used by students frustrated by passive learning. Hip Hop legends, Biggie and Tupac, are two people on the long list. Tupac is often used as an example in many of the AI technology throughout the years, from aging him to creating new verses in his style. Who can forget the hologram performance of Makaveli at Coachella in 2012?

Users of the app are reviving conversations of Tupac and Biggie’s relationship. One user asked the Brooklyn rapper’s AI if he still has love for Pac. The AI replied, “We’ll always have a special bond through music.” Similarly, Rolling Stone’s writer Miles Klee asked Tupac’s AI about their relationship in which it replied, “Our friendship ended when he passed away in1997.” The reality of the situation does not align with the responses, especially the timelines. In the same Rolling Stone’s article, Klee presents more inaccuracies in user conversations with AI Ronald Regan and J. Edgar Hoover.

Last summer, the problems in AI and Hip Hop were shown to a larger extent with the cancellation of FN Meka. Meka was accused of digital black face by Industry Blackout . The virtual rapper was said to have offensive lyrics, image, and videos. For a moment, the AI was signed to a 10 million-dollar deal with Capitol Records. In a Home Grown Radio episode, Chuck and DJ Hed bring attention to an important question: Who gets the money? 

The usage of AI comes at a financial cost and investment, especially with the growing technology industry. Where the money goes, is a question to be asked every time AI intersects with Hip Hop. And is there a connection that these companies have with Hip Hop? 

The usage of Pac’s likeness and image is especially alarming because of his passing. Who does this AI image benefit and harm if the artist is no longer present? The weekend has shown, awards are given to AI that benefits and comes from Hip Hop. Those that use the image of Hip Hop with no connection or truth, do not last.