Playboi Carti's 'MUSIC' and the AI Controversy: A Deep Dive into Fan Reactions

Playboi Carti’s latest album, MUSIC, dropped on March 14, 2025, and immediately set off a firestorm of debate. While some fans praised its chaotic, experimental sound, others were more skeptical—accusing Carti of incorporating AI-generated vocals or production elements. The discussion quickly gained traction on social media, fueled by the distinctively synthetic sound of tracks like "RATHER LIE" (featuring The Weeknd) and "FINE SH*T."

The AI Accusations: What Fans Are Saying

Shortly after MUSIC was released, speculation erupted on platforms like X (formerly Twitter). Listeners pointed out that Carti’s vocals sounded eerily similar to AI-generated snippets from past leaks and fan-made creations. Some even compared the sound to "Timeless," his 2024 collaboration with The Weeknd, which had previously been scrutinized for potential AI involvement.

Popular hip-hop commentator DJ Akademiks quickly weighed in, reporting that Carti had denied all claims of AI use in the album. The official production credits for MUSIC list heavy-hitters like Kanye West, Metro Boomin, F1lthy, Ojivolta, and Cardo—none of whom have publicly admitted to working with AI tools on this project. However, skeptics argue that AI could have been used discreetly, either in vocal processing or sound design, without being explicitly credited.

Playboi Carti and AI: A Recurring Discussion

This isn’t the first time Carti has been linked to AI rumors. His heavily processed vocal style—characterized by high-pitched inflections, distortion, and robotic effects—has led fans to speculate about artificial elements in his music since at least 2023. Carti’s enigmatic approach to music production, coupled with the long delays between releases (his album Narcissist was teased as early as 2021), has driven some fans to create AI-generated versions of his voice to fill the void. Ironically, this phenomenon may have contributed to the skepticism surrounding MUSIC—listeners are so familiar with AI Carti clones that they’re questioning whether the real thing sounds any different.

AI’s Growing Influence on the Music Industry

The controversy around MUSIC ties into a much larger conversation about artificial intelligence in music. As AI technology advances, the industry is facing new challenges and ethical dilemmas. Here are some key discussions shaping the landscape in 2025:

1. Legal Battles Over AI-Generated Tracks

The music industry is still grappling with lawsuits against AI music platforms like Suno and Udio, accused of training their models on copyrighted material without artist consent. As of 2025, these legal battles are intensifying, with record labels pushing for stricter regulations on AI-generated content. If Playboi Carti did use AI tools in MUSIC, it raises the question: should artists be required to disclose AI involvement in their work?

2. The Legacy of "Heart on My Sleeve"

The 2023 viral AI-generated song "Heart on My Sleeve," which mimicked Drake and The Weeknd, set a precedent for AI’s controversial role in music. Universal Music Group’s swift takedown of the track sparked debates about the rights of artists versus AI developers. Playboi Carti’s situation feels like a natural successor to this debate—while there’s no confirmed AI involvement, the mere suspicion speaks to how AI is reshaping listener expectations.

3. AI as a Creative Tool vs. a Replacement

Some artists, like T-Pain and Grimes, have embraced AI as a collaborative tool, using it to enhance their music rather than replace human creativity. However, others worry that AI could dilute the authenticity of music, leading to fully synthetic pop stars or posthumous releases created entirely by algorithms. If Carti did use AI, was it a creative choice or a shortcut?

4. Fan-Driven AI Music Communities

Playboi Carti’s fanbase isn’t alone in experimenting with AI-generated music. Dedicated communities for artists like Kanye West and Lil Uzi Vert have been using AI tools like RVC2 to create unofficial tracks, some of which go viral and even rival official releases. This phenomenon is both a blessing and a curse—it keeps an artist’s name buzzing, but it also blurs the lines between real and artificial music.

5. The Ethical and Cultural Backlash

The fear that AI is eroding human creativity isn’t new, but it’s gaining momentum. Fans on X have expressed concerns that AI-generated music could cheapen hip-hop as an art form, which has historically been deeply personal and expressive. Whether or not Carti used AI in MUSIC, the backlash shows how sensitive the industry is to this shift.

Fan Reactions: The Debate Intensifies on Social Media

The AI speculation surrounding MUSIC took on new life when fans and hip-hop news sources shared their thoughts online. Some users pointed to what they saw as compelling evidence of AI involvement, while others voiced broader concerns about the impact of artificial intelligence on music.

• X user rizza_x0 posted, "Carti used AI on two of his tracks because he’s too lazy to actually make music himself," attaching an image of the credits for "RATHER LIE" and "FINE SH*T." Notably, Playboi Carti was not listed as a vocalist on either track, fueling speculation that AI-generated vocals might have been used.
  

• Kurrco, a respected hip-hop news source, shared in December 2024, "Videos allegedly proving the use of AI vocals in Playboi Carti’s verses on ‘Timeless’ & ‘Lose You’ are reportedly being removed due to copyright claims 🤔." The attached screenshot showed that the takedown requests came from Universal Music Group, sparking even more curiosity about whether Carti’s team was trying to suppress AI-related discussions.
  

• Hip Hop All Day, a widely followed account on X, expressed deeper concerns about AI’s role in music, stating, "Terrible, nothing can sugar coat it, the deeper we go down this road the darker it gets for real artistry. It’s only a couple songs now but in 5/10 years it will be full albums." This sentiment reflects the growing anxiety some listeners feel about AI replacing human creativity in music.

How We Feel About It: AI as a Creative Partner, Not a Replacement

At Soundverse, we understand why people are concerned about AI in music. The idea that artificial intelligence could strip away human emotion and authenticity is a valid fear—but it’s also a misunderstanding of what AI is truly capable of.

Many fans took to social media to express their love for "RATHER LIE," praising its energy, production, and vibe. If AI played a role in shaping that track, does that change how it makes people feel? Great music is great music, regardless of the tools used to create it. AI is not here to replace artists—it’s here to assist them, much like any other production tool. Just as autotune revolutionized vocal processing without erasing the need for talented singers, AI is simply expanding what’s possible in music production.

At Soundverse, our AI is designed to help musicians bring their ideas to life. Whether someone wants to create beats, experiment with sounds, or enhance their workflow, AI can act as a creative co-producer rather than a substitute for human artistry. For those who want to explore this technology for themselves, our blog offers insights into AI music tools, while our Text-to-Music is a free AI music generator that allows anyone to experience AI-assisted music creation firsthand.

The discussion around AI in music will continue to evolve, and skepticism is natural. But instead of seeing AI as a threat, we see it as a tool for empowerment. Artists remain at the heart of music, and AI simply gives them more ways to bring their creative visions to life.

Conclusion: The Future of AI in Music

The Playboi Carti AI debate is bigger than just one album—it’s a reflection of where the music industry is headed. As AI technology continues to evolve, the line between traditional artistry and artificial intelligence will only become more blurred. Some see this as a threat, while others view it as an exciting expansion of creative possibilities.

Whether MUSIC truly incorporated AI elements or not, the controversy underscores an important reality: AI is already a part of the music industry, and its influence is only growing. The question now isn’t whether AI should be involved in music, but rather how artists, producers, and fans can harness it in a way that enhances creativity rather than replacing it.

As these conversations continue, Soundverse is committed to championing AI as a tool for artists—not a substitute. The future of music isn’t about losing human artistry; it’s about expanding it. And for those curious about how AI can elevate their own sound, the possibilities are just a click away.

Ready to give AI a shot? Explore Soundverse AI and discover the future of music creation today. 🎶