Kehlani And SZA Speak Out As AI Singer Xania Monet Lands $3M Record Deal

AI gospel singer Xania Monet, created by poet Telisha “Nikki” Jones using Suno, has sparked backlash after landing a $3 million record deal and charting on Billboard. Kehlani and SZA publicly criticized the move, raising concerns about AI’s impact on creativity, cultural ownership, and artist income. Kehlani called the process “the antithesis of art,” while SZA warned against environmental harm and exploitation tied to generative tools. Other artists, including Freddie Gibbs and Chlöe, joined the debate. As AI-generated music rises, the controversy highlights growing tension between innovation and authenticity in the music industry. The conversation is far from over.