Tyga Confirms AI Use on New Album, Compares It to Auto-Tune's Early Days
California rapper Tyga has confirmed using artificial intelligence as a supporting tool on his ninth studio album "Starface," a 1980s synthpop project that introduces a new persona. The admission came after fans speculated about the album's electronic sound elements.
The musician, whose real name is Micheal Ray Stevenson, said he is unconcerned about potential criticism. He compared AI's role in music to past technological innovations that initially sparked controversy.
Why Tyga Says He Didn't Explain Sooner
"I've never talked to anyone about this because I always feel like it's like a magician explaining how he does his tricks," Tyga said in an interview with Vibe. "Why do people have to explain so much about how they make good work? If you like it, you like it; if not, well no. It's supposed to give you an experience and a feeling."
The rapper described technology as an inevitability that creative industry players cannot avoid. "But we definitely use AI as a tool. And I know people will be mad because I'm saying this, but this is the direction of technological development," he said. "It's no different than when Auto-Tune first came out. Some people were against it, but real artists took it and used it."
What AI Does on 'Starface'
Technically, Tyga said AI speeds up creation of supporting instruments like 1980s synth elements and guitar solos. He emphasized that all main vocals and basic production on the album were still made manually without AI help.
For creatives exploring similar tools, a structured path is available through an AI Learning Path for Vocal Artists & Songwriters that covers vocal processing and songwriting applications.
Industry Split on AI's Place
AI use in music remains a divisive issue. Luke Steele of Empire of the Sun has endorsed AI, calling it comparable to a "very smart guitar pedal." Thomas Bangalter of Daft Punk has firmly rejected it, arguing it disrupts natural creative processes.
Music streaming services are taking clear positions. TIDAL has confirmed it will not pay royalties for any music entirely created with artificial intelligence. Deezer reports that AI-based uploads now account for more than 50 percent of total daily uploads on its platform.
Why This Matters for Creatives
For creatives, Tyga's approach offers a pragmatic test case: AI as a spec tool that handles synth textures and solos rather than replacing vocals or core composition. The precedent is that artists can adopt AI openly without apologizing for it. The flashpoint is that streaming platforms may not pay for fully AI-generated work, which could define how creatives draw the line between tool and replacement. For those working with AI for Creatives, the lesson is about picking which parts of the craft to accelerate with AI.
Your membership also unlocks:
