Last month, a musician from North Carolina, Michael Smith, was charged in a multimillion-dollar fraud scheme involving the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to create hundreds of thousands of songs and stream them through bot accounts. Federal authorities estimate that the scam generated over US$10 million in unlawful royalty payments, marking this case as the first major instance of AI being used to inflate music streaming figures artificially.
This case has reignited conversations about AI’s role in the music industry, with many questioning whether the technology poses a threat to musicians, particularly in niche markets like the dubplate industry. Dubplates—customized versions of tracks made for DJs and sound systems—have been a longstanding tradition in reggae and dancehall. But now, there are concerns that AI could disrupt this culture, allowing suitors to generate dubplates without ever needing the original artist.
Opinions within the industry remain divided.
DJ Rush, a popular radio disc jockey, dismissed the idea that AI will significantly affect the dubplate scene. He believes the issue lies not with technology but with the quality of music being produced today. “The real problem with the dub market being cut down is the fact that the music sucks now and no one wants to pay the exorbitant price for nonsense that lasts two weeks, max. AI isn’t the main issue,” Rush remarked.
Coppershot sound system’s Matthew Gray echoed similar sentiments, noting that current music trends aren’t particularly “dubplate-friendly.” While he acknowledges AI’s potential to inspire creativity, Gray doesn’t foresee it overtaking the dubplate culture anytime soon. “I also think that the AI doesn’t exactly sound like the artistes. What it might do is to increase creativity within the industry, which is good,” Gray said.
However, some in the industry see AI’s rise as inevitable. DJ Marc Chin, also from Coppershot, believes technology will always prevail, and AI might become a go-to solution for hard-to-get dubplates. “Imagine wanting a Vybz Kartel dubplate but finding it unattainable — what’s the next best option? Using AI to create that dubplate,” Chin explained, though he doubts this trend will catch on among die-hard fans of dubplate culture.
Veteran selector Foota Hype is more cautious, viewing AI as a double-edged sword. While acknowledging the potential benefits for certain artistes, such as Vybz Kartel, who could use AI to enhance his live performances, Foota Hype warned of the broader dangers AI poses. “Someone can make a call using AI with your voice and you could be implicated for a crime. It’s more than just a dubplate issue,” he said, stressing that the risks extend far beyond the music industry.
Music promoter Andrew Powell of Worl Blast Music expressed similar concerns. “AI can mess up things, especially those who sound like actual artistes,” Powell noted, pointing out that the rise of AI-generated content could lead to legal and economic complications for artists trying to maintain control over their work.
AI’s potential to disrupt the global music industry has already alarmed many high-profile musicians. Over 200 A-list artists, including Billie Eilish, Jon Bon Jovi, and Katy Perry, have voiced their concerns in an open letter, organized by the Artist Rights Alliance, calling on AI developers to protect artists’ rights. The letter highlights fears that AI could devalue their work through voice cloning, deep fakes, and unauthorized replication.
As AI continues to evolve, its influence on the music industry is undeniable. While some see it as an opportunity for innovation, others warn that it could undermine the integrity of an industry rooted in human creativity and performance. The debate is ongoing, but one thing is clear—AI is here to stay, and its impact on music will be felt for years to come.
