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

Aimee Cherry Quartey
By
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.

Comments

MORE FROM
music

More From 3Music News

R2Bees Visualises AWURADE AYE
music | entertainment | BY Christabel Newman | January 11th, 2026

R2Bees Visualises AWURADE AYE

AWURADE AYE, which translates to “God has done it,” is a soulful record that reflects on life’s love, survival…

AFCON 2025 Quarter-Final Sets Tone For Semi-Finals
entertainment | sports | BY Christabel Newman | January 10th, 2026

AFCON 2025 Quarter-Final Sets Tone For Semi-Finals

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) has reached an electrifying stage following the conclusion of the quarter-finals, with four heavyweights booking their places in the semi-finals of the tournament, currently being hosted in Morocco...

Cardi B Warns of Legal Action Over False Claims About Her Father
music | entertainment | BY Christabel Newman | January 9th, 2026

Cardi B Warns of Legal Action Over False Claims About Her Father

Cardi B has issued a strong warning to social media users, stating that she will pursue legal action against anyone who continues to spread false and damaging rumours about her father…

Donald Trump Rules Out Presidential Pardon for Sean Combs Following Handwritten Appeal
music | entertainment | culture | BY Christabel Newman | January 9th, 2026

Donald Trump Rules Out Presidential Pardon for Sean Combs Following Handwritten Appeal

U.S. President Donald Trump, has confirmed that he has no intention of granting a presidential pardon to music mogul Sean Combs, popularly known as Diddy, despite receiving a handwritten plea from the incarcerated artiste.

Liverpool Completes Signing of Mor Talla Ndiaye for U21S
entertainment | sports | BY Christabel Newman | January 9th, 2026

Liverpool Completes Signing of Mor Talla Ndiaye for U21S

Liverpool FC has confirmed the signing of young defender Mor Talla Ndiaye, who joins the club’s Under-21 squad, subject to international clearance...

Manchester City Complete Blockbuster Signing of Antoine Semenyo
entertainment | sports | BY Christabel Newman | January 9th, 2026

Manchester City Complete Blockbuster Signing of Antoine Semenyo

Manchester City has officially completed the signing of Ghanaian forward Antoine Semenyo from AFC Bournemouth, securing one of the most eye-catching moves of the January transfer window.

Arsenal and Liverpool Settle for Goalless Draw in Premier League Clash
entertainment | sports | BY Christabel Newman | January 9th, 2026

Arsenal and Liverpool Settle for Goalless Draw in Premier League Clash

Arsenal and Liverpool played out a tense 0–0 draw at the Emirates Stadium on Thursday night, as both sides were left frustrated in a Premier League encounter that promised much but delivered no goals...

Kwesi Arthur Announces New Project
music | entertainment | BY Christabel Newman | January 8th, 2026

Kwesi Arthur Announces New Project

Award-winning Ghanaian rapper Kwesi Arthur has officially announced the release of his highly anticipated project…

DJ Khaled Has Endorsed Ghana’s Free The Youth x Jordan Brand Collaboration
music | entertainment | culture | BY Christabel Newman | January 8th, 2026

DJ Khaled Has Endorsed Ghana’s Free The Youth x Jordan Brand Collaboration

Ghana’s streetwear movement continues its global rise as Free The Youth (FTY) receives a major international endorsement from global music mogul DJ Khaled.

Stonebwoy Brings The Torcher Experience To Ho Stadium
music | entertainment | BY Christabel Newman | January 8th, 2026

Stonebwoy Brings The Torcher Experience To Ho Stadium

Ghanaian global music icon Stonebwoy is set to make history in the Volta Region with his first-ever stadium concert, The Torcher Experience, scheduled for March 2026, with a specific day yet to be confirmed by the team, set to happen at the iconic Ho Stadium.

Amaarae Makes History With Electrifying Blackout Concert
music | entertainment | BY Christabel Newman | January 8th, 2026

Amaarae Makes History With Electrifying Blackout Concert

Ghanaian Alté superstar Amaarae delivered a defining moment in her career with the highly anticipated Blackout Concert, a show widely hailed as one of the most successful and culturally significant music events in recent Ghanaian pop history…

Music Is My Life Concert Shakes Tema Till Dawn
music | entertainment | BY Christabel Newman | January 7th, 2026

Music Is My Life Concert Shakes Tema Till Dawn

The 11th edition of the Music Is My Life Concert, has firmly cemented its status as one of Ghana’s most influential live music experiences, evolving beyond a concert into a full-scale cultural movement.

More Similar Videos

Showboy Shares His Journey From Prison To Becoming Ghana's Biggest Trapper
music,entertainment | Lerny Lomotey | October 27th, 2025

Showboy Shares His Journey From Prison To Becoming Ghana's Biggest Trapper