What the GRAMMYs Think of AI in Music

“Am I battling ghosts or AI?” – Kendrick Lamar, Euphoria

When Kendrick Lamar delivered this line in his track Euphoria, it wasn’t just a rhetorical question—it was a reflection of a new reality in music. AI-generated voices had been weaponized against him in a high-profile rap battle, marking an unprecedented moment where artificial intelligence played a direct role in shaping hip-hop’s biggest feud. The controversy surrounding AI deepfakes and music creation reached its peak when Drake released Taylor Made Freestyle, a diss track that used AI-generated voices of rap legends Tupac Shakur and Snoop Dogg to taunt Lamar. The song was swiftly pulled from streaming platforms after legal action from Shakur’s estate, but it ignited a debate about AI’s ethical use in music.

Then came Lamar’s responses. His final track in the battle, Not Like Us, not only dominated the cultural conversation but also made history as the most awarded rap song in GRAMMY history, taking home five awards, including Record and Song of the Year. AI may not have played a direct role in its creation, but its presence in the feud leading up to it underscored a significant shift in how the music industry—and the Recording Academy—views artificial intelligence.

The Recording Academy’s Stance on AI in Music

As AI becomes increasingly prevalent in music production and composition, the Recording Academy has taken a careful and measured stance. Their approach focuses on balancing the protection of human artists with an openness to innovation. Some of their key considerations include:

  • Protecting Creators – The Academy has emphasized that AI should not devalue human artistry. They advocate for musicians, songwriters, and producers to maintain control over their creative output and likeness.
  • Copyright & Legal Considerations – The Recording Academy has engaged in discussions with the U.S. Copyright Office to ensure that copyright laws evolve alongside AI developments, preventing exploitation of artists.
  • Education & Ethical AI Use – Through industry panels and expert discussions, the Academy is working to inform artists about AI’s impact, ensuring that musicians are equipped to navigate this new landscape.
  • Encouraging Innovation – While concerns remain about AI replacing human creativity, the Academy acknowledges that AI can be a valuable tool for artistic expansion when used responsibly.

AI in Production vs. AI in Composition: Industry Perspectives

The music industry’s reception of AI varies based on how it’s applied. AI-powered tools for mixing and mastering have been widely embraced, with many artists and producers viewing them as valuable time-saving assets. Surveys suggest that 30.6% of artists have used AI for mastering, with 40% expressing positive sentiments about its potential. However, AI’s role in composing and music generation remains more controversial. While some see AI as a means of creative augmentation, others worry about its impact on originality and artistic intent.

Prominent industry figures have taken differing stances on AI’s role in music. Timbaland, a GRAMMY-winning producer, has actively explored AI music tools, even collaborating with AI startup Suno. Metro Boomin, another acclaimed producer, used AI to create *BBL Drizzy BPM 150 *, a track making fun of the rapper Drake that went viral. Meanwhile, Kanye West has openly admitted to using AI in his music, even tweeting about wanting to "AI" The Weeknd’s drums on GRAMMY night. Closer to home, four-time GRAMMY-nominated composer and Soundverse advisor Ricky Kej has championed AI’s ability to democratize music creation, enabling artists to push creative boundaries in unprecedented ways.

AI and the Future of the GRAMMYs

As AI’s role in music grows, the Recording Academy has already adapted its rules. AI-generated content cannot be the sole or majority creator of any GRAMMY-winning work. This ensures that while AI can be used as a tool, human musicians remain central to the creative process.

Despite these guidelines, AI’s influence on music will only continue to expand. Kendrick Lamar’s Not Like Us may not have relied on AI, but the events leading up to its release—AI-generated diss tracks, the ethics of deepfakes, and the broader industry conversation—highlighted just how deeply AI has embedded itself into modern music culture.

Whether it’s used for parody, production efficiency, or creative exploration, AI is no longer a distant possibility—it’s an active force shaping the way artists create and audiences engage with music. And as the Recording Academy continues to refine its stance, one thing is certain: AI’s impact on music is only beginning.

The Future of AI in Music: Where Do We Go from Here?

AI’s presence in music is undeniable. Whether it's enhancing production quality, sparking creative exploration, or pushing the boundaries of artistry, AI is no longer just a theoretical discussion—it’s an active force in shaping the industry. The Recording Academy has made it clear that while AI should never replace human creativity, it can be a powerful tool when used responsibly. GRAMMY award-winning and nominated artists like Timbaland, Metro Boomin, Kanye West and Ricky Kej have embraced AI’s potential, proving that innovation and artistry can coexist.

If you’re looking to explore AI-powered tools for music creation, Soundverse offers a suite of AI technologies designed to assist, inspire, and elevate your craft. Whether you need SAAR for intelligent sample selection, Text-to-Music to bring your ideas to life, or tools like Splitter AI for stem separation, Auto Extend for seamless loops, and Auto Complete for finishing compositions, Soundverse provides both generative and non-generative AI solutions tailored to musicians, producers, and creators.

Visit Soundverse Pricing to discover which tier best fits your needs, and take the first step toward transforming the way you create music. Let’s shape the future of sound together.

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Sourabh Pateriya

BySourabh Pateriya

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