SZA Criticizes AI Firms for Exploiting Artists' Music Rights
WHO:
Rolling Stone Music - SZA specifically called out Diplo for his involvement with the generative AI platform Suno.
AllHipHop - SZA discovered that 238 of her songs were used without her consent.
Pitchfork - SZA and Kenneth Blume criticized the use of their songs in AI training data sets.
WHAT:
Billboard - A press release from musicians stated that "labels and publishers rightly argue that AI companies need permission to train on their music catalog, but will not grant artists and songwriters the same rights."
Billboard - Musicians have penned a letter warning that "innovation cannot be used to override artists’ rights," highlighting the need for AI companies to obtain permission to train on music catalogs.
Sportskeeda - SZA stated, “I AIN'T HEARD A WHITE AI SONG YET,” criticizing AI music apps like Suno for exploiting the "best and brightest Black minds."
AllHipHop - SZA's songs were used to train AI music generators without payment.
Variety - SZA described the actions of musicians using AI as "disgusting."
Variety - SZA alleged that producer Diplo had equity in the AI company Suno.
WHERE:
Variety - SZA made her comments on Instagram.
WHY:
Rolling Stone Music - SZA urged Black musicians to reject AI, emphasizing the exploitation of their contributions.
Pitchfork - SZA expressed that she cannot imagine being proud to earn a paycheck that "obliterates the work and dreams of artists."
Variety - SZA criticized the exploitation of "the best and brightest black minds of writers and producers" by AI platforms.
HOW:
Variety - SZA accused AI platforms like Suno of training on the works of influential black artists despite their small percentage of the American population.
(UPDATED June 22, 2026 18:22 UTC)
SZA has called out Diplo for his involvement with the generative AI platform Suno, urging Black musicians to reject AI due to concerns over the exploitation of their contributions. In a press release, musicians highlighted that while labels and publishers argue AI companies need permission to train on their music catalog, they often do not extend the same rights to artists and songwriters. This ongoing debate raises important questions about the rights of creators in the evolving landscape of music and technology.
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(UPDATED June 22, 2026 08:49 UTC)
Musicians have come together to pen a letter emphasizing that "innovation cannot be used to override artists’ rights." They are calling for AI companies to seek permission before using music catalogs for training purposes. This move underscores the ongoing conversation about the intersection of technology and artistic integrity.
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(UPDATED June 22, 2026 06:44 UTC)
SZA has voiced her concerns about AI music applications, stating, “I AIN'T HEARD A WHITE AI SONG YET,” and criticizing platforms like Suno for taking advantage of the "best and brightest Black minds." Her comments highlight the ongoing debate surrounding the use of artificial intelligence in the music industry. This statement has sparked conversations about representation and ethics in technology and creativity.
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(UPDATED June 22, 2026 03:30 UTC)
SZA has revealed that 238 of her songs were used without her consent to train AI music generators, and she expressed her outrage on Instagram, calling the actions of musicians who utilize AI "disgusting." She criticized the exploitation of talented black writers and producers by these platforms, alleging that producer Diplo has equity in the AI company Suno. SZA emphasized that she cannot imagine being proud to earn a paycheck that undermines the work and dreams of artists.