Kehlani Criticizes AI Artiste Xania Monet’s $3 Million Record Deal

Aimee Cherry Quartey
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Kehlani Criticizes AI Artiste Xania Monet’s $3 Million Record Deal
KEHLANI
Written by Christabel Newman

The music industry is once again confronting the intersection of technology and artistry after reports confirmed that AI-generated artiste Xania Monet has signed a multimillion-dollar record deal. The development, first revealed by Billboard, has sparked widespread debate among artistes, executives, and fans with singer-songwriter Kehlani among the first to voice disapproval.

According to Billboard, Hallwood Media reportedly invested $3 million to back Xania Monet, an artificial intelligence-driven persona operated behind the scenes by writer Telisha “Nikki” Jones. The project combines Jones’ poetry and lyrics with AI tools such as Suno for music creation, alongside AI-generated visuals to present Monet as a fully realized digital artiste.

While supporters of the move frame it as a bold leap into the future of music, critics argue it undermines the very essence of human creativity. In a recent TikTok reaction, Kehlani bluntly dismissed the deal, remarking that the AI artiste is “doing none of the work” while reaping industry rewards. The R&B star’s comments reflect a growing unease among musicians who fear that artificial intelligence could disrupt traditional opportunities for human artistes.

Beyond the controversy, Xania Monet has already achieved notable traction. Reports indicate her tracks including HOW WAS I SUPPOSED TO KNOW and LET GO, LET GOD have charted on Billboard’s Emerging Talent and Hot Gospel Songs lists. The project has also amassed millions of on-demand streams, underscoring both the potential and the polarizing nature of AI-powered artistry.

Still, unresolved questions loom over the deal. Legal experts and record labels alike have raised concerns about copyright ownership, particularly around AI-generated music and the datasets used to train these systems. Hallwood Media maintains that Monet’s catalogue is fully owned by Jones, covering both masters and compositions a claim that could be tested in the years to come.

For some, it represents innovation; for others, a threat to human artistry. As Kehlani’s reaction makes clear, the debate over AI in music is far from settled.

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