T.I. explains how Dr. Dre changed his mind about AI music

by

Artificial intelligence is a hot topic in rap and hip hop, and T.I. is the newest artist to publicly discuss its potential impact. The Atlanta rapper, known for his outspoken views and years in the music industry, has voiced his initial worries about AI’s role in music.

For T.I., this isn’t just a discussion about technology; it’s about artistic expression, skill, and remaining successful in a quickly evolving music industry. Although many artists oppose music created by AI, T.I.’s perspective has shifted after talking with a highly-regarded hip hop producer.

T.I. recently discussed on his podcast, expediTIously, how Dr. Dre changed his perspective on artificial intelligence. Dre helped him realize AI wasn’t something to be feared, but rather a tool with potential benefits.

T.I. explains why AI music once felt “dangerous.”

The rapper shared his strong feelings about AI-generated music during a recent podcast. He stated plainly, “I believe it’s risky, and I’ve been strongly opposed to it from the start.”

As a long-time fan of hip hop, I totally get why T.I. is speaking up about AI. It’s always been about keeping it real in rap, and artists have worked so hard to be original. This AI stuff feels like it could actually take away from that creativity, instead of helping it, and that’s what everyone’s worried about.

I used to think one way, but then hearing from Dr. Dre really shifted my perspective. He told me about when he was producing for Bruce Springsteen and how he had to learn new techniques, and it made me see things differently.

How Dr. Dre changed T.I.’s perspective

According to T.I., Dr. Dre explained that AI doesn’t eliminate skill; it demands it. “You still have to work, be talented, and programming to do what you want it to do,” T.I. said, adding that the technology is “an advantage.”

He admitted the industry was clearly heading in a certain direction. He explained that if everyone else is using new tools and you aren’t, you risk falling behind.

That idea, adaptation over resistance, resonated deeply, especially in a genre built on innovation.

AI, identity, and the future of hip-hop

T.I. also brought up AI artist Xania Monet, a project developed by poet Telisha “Nikki” Jones. He pointed out that Jones writes the songs and trained the AI using her own voice, but the AI’s appearance and sound aren’t necessarily identical to hers. Still, he feels it’s fundamentally her work because she’s the creative force behind the music, and he finds that acceptable.

T.I. believes that genuine artistry comes down to the creator’s original idea and skill. While rap and hip hop are constantly changing with new technology, he emphasizes that creativity itself still begins with the artist.

Read More

2026-01-02 16:00