Tyga Embraces AI for $tarface Despite 0.0 Rating and Criticism

Tyga claims to have used AI to refine “$tarface,” released on July 31, while maintaining control over the vocals and lyrics. The reception has been brutal, with a score of 0.0/10 from Pitchfork and a jab from Doja Cat. Meanwhile, figures like Timbaland, Grimes, and Nick Carter are increasingly utilizing AI, from virtual artists to voice licensing with 50% royalties. Tyga reaffirmed last week that for him, AI is merely a tool.

Pitchfork gives Tyga's $tarface a 0.0/10

Pitchfork has penalized “$tarface” with a 0.0 out of 10, its lowest score since the late 2000s. In his review, Drew Millard writes that very little effort or real work has been invested in the album, suggesting that a single listen might be enough to make it profitable, encouraging the industry to reissue such releases. Last week, Doja Cat added to the controversy by calling Tyga an “idiot” for making an album with AI during a livestream. In contrast, there are some signs of public reception for other AI-related projects: the first music video from Tilly Norwood, a virtual artist, has surpassed 475,000 views since March, and “Rubberz” by Fenix Flexin has appeared on the Billboard Hot 100 according to Stereogum.

Tyga says he used AI without outsourcing vocals or lyrics

Tyga claims to have used at least one AI music program for “$tarface,” particularly for synthesizers inspired by the 80s. He states that he recorded the vocals himself and wrote the lyrics. The album, his ninth, was released on July 31 and is based on an alter ego with a Miami Vice aesthetic, featuring Jheri curls, retro Ferraris, and synthpop. Tyga argues that using technology as a tool is not problematic, comparing AI to Auto-Tune in its early days, and believes that technology is evolving in this direction. Last week, he reaffirmed his use of AI while stating that he considers himself “better than AI” over the past 15 years and pointed out the fear among some of a potential replacement by these tools.

Timbaland launches Stage Zero in 2025, showcasing AI TaTa

In 2023, Timbaland faced criticism for recreating The Notorious B.I.G.'s voice with AI. He has since launched Stage Zero, an AI-based entertainment company set to debut in 2025, with the stated ambition of creating a genre called “A-Pop.” His AI artist, TaTa, released a first music video in October. Timbaland describes her as an autonomous artist, living and learning, built with AI, and presents TaTa as the beginning of a larger project. Other trajectories exist: Grimes launched Elf Tech in 2023, allowing the creation of songs with her voice and their commercial exploitation in exchange for a 50% share of recording royalties. In 2025, Nick Carter stated he used AI for the official music video of “Hey Kid” and a series of comic-themed videos. Meanwhile, Tilly Norwood, an AI pop star created by Particle6, embodies a fully virtual approach.

AI was a central issue in the SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes in 2023 (100+ days)

AI emerged as a central issue in the SAG-AFTRA and Writers Guild strikes in 2023, movements that lasted over 100 days. On the ground, some artists navigate between accusations and admissions: “Rubberz” by Fenix Flexin, released in June, faced allegations of AI involvement; according to Rolling Stone, the rapper initially distanced himself from it before admitting to using the technology in production. Positions can be even more polarized as collaborations exist, such as those between Doja Cat and Tyga on two tracks, while publicly expressing criticism of AI usage.