SZA slams AI music use after discovering 238 of her songs were used for training models

Singer-songwriter SZA has renewed her criticism of artificial intelligence in music after discovering that hundreds of her songs had reportedly been used to train AI models.

The artist shared an Instagram Stories post showing the results of a search for her name on an AI music database. The search allegedly revealed that 238 of her songs had been used in AI training datasets.

Reacting to the finding, SZA wrote, “Just checked and music AI has trained off 238 of my songs. I’m certain some (are) unreleased. If you’re a musician and you support this degenerate shit? You’re disgusting and there’s NOTHING YOU COULD EVER SAY TO ME TO MAKE THIS OKAY. I hope u have the life u deserve.”

Photo: Instagram

The comments are the latest in a series of public statements from the Grammy-winning artist against the growing use of AI technology in creative industries.

Last year, SZA also criticised the environmental and social impact of AI, writing on social media, “AI is killing and polluting Black and Brown cities. None of you care cause [you’re] codependent on a machine. Have a great life.”

She later criticised a reported multi-million-dollar deal involving AI-generated R&B artist Xania Monet and urged fans not to create AI-generated images or music featuring her likeness.

“Hey I hate AI. If you fuck w me PLEASE don't make any AI images of me or songs,” SZA wrote.

The debate over AI-generated music continues to divide the industry.

While artists such as SZA and Kehlani have voiced concerns about its impact on creativity and musicianship, others have embraced the technology.

Producer Timbaland recently launched an AI-generated artist and defended the move, stating, “This just means more creativity for creators.”