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Tyga Admits to Using AI on New ‘$tarface’ Album: ‘It’s No Different Than When Auto-Tune Came Out’
Rapper Tyga has confirmed he used artificial intelligence in the making of his new album $tarface, ending months of speculation about the record's '80s-inspired sound. He told VIBE that AI tools were used for elements such as synthesizer sounds and a guitar solo, defending the practice by comparing it to the once-controversial introduction of Auto-Tune in the mid-2000s, which he says was eventually embraced by "real artists."
Tyga stopped short of naming the specific software used, and the article notes that an earlier version incorrectly stated he had used Suno, which he did not confirm. He insisted that all the album's writing and vocals were his own, framing AI merely as a production tool. The rapper also addressed rumours that he had coordinated with Shoreline Mafia's Fenix Flexin, whose similarly '80s-styled single "RUBBERZ" fuelled the AI speculation, saying their joint track "Lavish" was simply a case of both artists experimenting with the same sound independently before deciding to collaborate.
In short
- Tyga confirms AI was used to make parts of his $tarface album.
- He likens AI use to Auto-Tune's once-controversial rise in music.
- Denies coordinating '80s sound with Fenix Flexin beforehand.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Those supporting AI use in music production argue it is simply the latest evolution in a long technological progression – synthesizers, drum machines, and Auto-Tune all faced similar criticism before becoming ubiquitous and accepted. They contend that AI democratises production, allowing artists to realise their creative vision more efficiently whilst maintaining full authorial control over writing and vocals. From this perspective, the tool itself is morally neutral; what matters is artistic transparency and the quality of the final product.
The case against
Critics maintain there is a meaningful philosophical distinction between tools that amplify human skill and those that replace human musicianship entirely. They raise concerns about uncompensated use of artists' work in training datasets, the devaluation of skilled musicians and producers, and the removal of creative struggle that traditionally drives artistic development and emotional authenticity. They argue that whilst AI is pitched as merely a production tool, its capacity to generate core creative elements represents a fundamental departure from previous technological evolution in music.
Explained simply
AI tools can generate or alter sounds used in recorded music, while artists may also use them alongside conventional instruments and production software. Auto-Tune, which changes the pitch of a voice, was once debated when it became prominent in popular music and is now widely used.
Tyga is an American rapper whose album $tarface draws on sounds associated with 1980s music. Shoreline Mafia rapper Fenix Flexin also released a track with a similar style, prompting speculation about how the music was made and whether the artists had coordinated.
The discussion matters because artists, producers and listeners are weighing how AI fits into creative work and how its use should be described. In this case, Tyga says the writing and vocals are his, while AI was used for some production elements.
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