• Copyright Issues and the Definition of Music Copyright.
• Is A.I. generated music viewed as the same as Human generated music?
• Ethics of original art versus digital appropriation.
• Impact on Human artists and musicians making a career in music.
• I. Generated Music that samples Human generated music: Original or Stealing?
• How the future will sound.

Artificial Intelligence is the new word on the streets in more ways than one. In recent weeks, the machine has turned its gaze on the culture of Hip Hop, the importance of which is not lost on the music industry. Hip-hop music is at its current height as a consequence of globalization. It has been absorbed and reinvented around the world by galvanizing around global youth culture. More than co-opted, youth have taken ownership of it, often blending local styles, heritage, and other musical traditions, and through innovation has emerged with powerful identities in numerous regional scenes. It’s the perfect window into the global shift in human culture taking place right now.

In the U.S we saw audio-generating A.I. drop versions of Jay-Z and Kanye’s “N*ggas In Paris” with Biggie and Tupac’s simulated voices. In South Africa we have had AI-generated Drake covers of AKA and Nasty C’s “Lemons” (Lemonade) and Blxckie’s “Kwenzekile”.

It’s clear that the realm of music will never be the same again.  The rise of A.I. has given birth to new possibilities, particularly in the realm of song interpretation. A.I. algorithms are now capable of generating interpretations of hip hop songs, blurring the line between human and machine creativity. However, this phenomenon raises important questions about copyright issues, the definition of originality, the ethics of digital appropriation, and the long-term impact on human artists and musicians.

Copyright Issues and the Definition of Music Copyright.

At the core of A.I. generated interpretations lies the issue of copyright. Copyright protects original works of authorship, providing creators with exclusive rights to reproduce, distribute, and publicly perform their creations. However, copyright law becomes complex when A.I. algorithms are involved, largely because there are no laws as yet pertaining to A.I. Globally, with regional differences the law adapts to technological change, but always with a lag. In the case of A.I. generated music interpretations, it is currently being debated whether the algorithm’s output infringes upon the original artist’s copyright. As A.I. systems can analyse and mimic existing works, questions arise about the extent to which they are creating something new or simply reproducing existing material. Another very important question is who and how will the estates of late hip-hop legends be protected from the simulation of their voices, likenesses, and styles?

Is A.I. Generated Music Viewed as the Same as Human Generated Music?

A significant debate revolves around whether A.I. generated music can be considered on par with human-generated music. While A.I. algorithms are capable of composing, arranging, and even performing music, the absence of human emotional depth and intention raises questions about the authenticity and soul of the music produced. Right now, A.I.’s best version of original art is subpar but convincing enough. As the tech develops, and “learns”, this is set to improve. The human element in music creation is often seen as an essential aspect that A.I. generated music may lack. Therefore, A.I. interpretations may be viewed as innovative tools but not as authentic artistic expressions on their own.

Ethics of Original Art versus Digital Appropriation.

The emergence of A.I. generated interpretations also brings ethical considerations into play, specifically concerning original art versus digital appropriation. Digital appropriation refers to the act of taking elements from existing works and incorporating them into new creations. One may argue that may be reductive as one of the core elements of hip-hop music is to include sampling beats or bass lines from records (or synthesized beats and sounds). Proponents of the genre, however, argue that in a post-modern way, samples are cut and pasted together to create a new sound and or melody structure out of the original. This largely being act of human creativity.  The ethics of digital appropriation, rather, lie in the question of whether an A.I. algorithm’s interpretation, which may borrow heavily from existing works, qualifies as an original creation or a mere imitation. This raises concerns about the diminishing value of human creativity and the potential erosion of the artistic process.

Impact on Human Artists and Musicians Making a Career in Music.

The long-term impact of A.I. generated interpretations on human artists and musicians remains uncertain. While some fear that A.I. algorithms could replace human creativity and lead to job losses, others argue that A.I. can enhance human creativity by providing novel insights and inspiration. A.I. scientists believe that A.I. generated interpretations could serve as a tool for artists, providing fresh perspectives and ideas, ultimately enriching the creative process rather than replacing it.

A.I. Generated Music that Samples Human Generated Music: Original or Stealing?

A.I. generated music that samples human-generated music, however, raises a unique dilemma. When A.I. algorithms generate interpretations using existing works as source material, questions arise about the originality of the final output. Is it a derivative work or a new creation in its own right? To be considered is “artistic flow” in which rappers express themselves through cadence and stylistic eloquence. This is what makes AKA sound like AKA versus Blxckie or Biggie or Jay-Z, for that matter, and it’s just as integral to an artist’s identity as much it is part of “their sound” and trends within hip-hop as a whole. This is the thrust when it comes to the ethical and legal implications of using copyrighted material in A.I. compositions, and must be carefully examined to protect the rights of original artists.

One potential solution to the ethical and artistic dilemmas posed by A.I.-generated interpretations is fostering collaboration between humans and A.I. algorithms. By combining the strengths of both, artists can leverage A.I. as a tool to augment their creative process. At this stage, A.I. is not inherently good or bad; it’s what we do with it that matters. Collaboration allows artists to maintain their creative agency while harnessing the power of A.I. to enhance their artistic output.

How the future will sound.

As A.I. continues to shape the music industry, it is essential to strike a balance between technological innovation and the preservation of human creativity, ensuring that artists and their works are protected, valued, and respected in this new era of music interpretation. Africa, with its rich and varied collective of languages, culture and heritage uniquely straddles the past and the innovation of the future and would do well to amplify the power of A.I in its best interests.  As the world looks to African culture for direction in terms of music, fashion, and art, we must safeguard the integrity of human creativity and the spark of imagination, for which Africa is abundantly blessed.