The agency Space150 has created an artificial intelligence capable of imitating a famous rapper, almost to perfection. A first which does not bode well for Anicet Mbida, especially with the current avalanche of posthumous records. Tomorrow, we won't even know if a song was composed and sung by the artist or by a computer.
This weekend took place the victories of music. Once again, we had the right to controversy over the absence of the categories "rap" and "electronic music". Today's innovation will not help since, for the first time, an artificial intelligence has managed to imitate a famous rapper, almost to perfection.
The rapper in question is called Travis Scott, he is particularly known for his title "Highest in the Room" and for his very particular style, recognizable among thousands. His last album sold three million copies (triple platinum disc). It is therefore a real heavyweight that has often been copied.
Now, it's an artificial intelligence that gets started. She dissected all her discography, her melodies, her rhymes… and her tics of language. She composed and above all performed an original piece.
Was it done by the artist or his record company?
No, by a digital agency called the Space150 agency which wanted to get a publicity stunt. They say they chose Travis Scott because he has a very special style and aesthetic. But, a priori, it could work with any artist.
It is not perfect, nor is it fully automatic, there is a need for a lot of human intervention, but there is already plenty to worry about. Because, today, posthumous albums have become such a business that some could use this technique to abuse even more fans. We knew the fake news soon it will also be wary of false tubes.