The AI Music Controversy: Fenix Flexin's 'Rubberz' and the Authenticity Debate

This summer, Los Angeles rapper Fenix Flexin performed his viral hit 'Rubberz' at a small nightclub in Passaic, New Jersey, amid widespread speculation that the song was created using artificial intelligence. The track, released in June, marked a stylistic departure from his usual hip-hop, featuring synth-pop sounds and a faintly British accent. Despite initial denials, Fenix later acknowledged using AI, stating, 'Never said I didn't use AI... ain't nothing wrong w using new technology as a tool.' Producer Medasin demonstrated how the song could have been made with the AI program Treblo. The controversy reflects a broader backlash against AI-generated music, with artists like Tyga receiving a 0.0 rating from Pitchfork for his AI-assisted album, and musician Jack Antonoff condemning AI as 'fake making art.' The debate echoes historical concerns, from John Philip Sousa's 1906 testimony against phonographs to Milli Vanilli's lip-syncing scandal. While AI music tools like Suno are proliferating, the listening public remains skeptical, as 'Rubberz' peaked at No. 58 on the Billboard Hot 100. The article also notes that AI entities like Eddie Dalton have gained followings, and collaborations like HUGEL's 'Movin' to the Sun' blend human and AI contributions. The piece concludes that despite easier music creation, making a song that resonates remains challenging.