Lil Durk Says A.I. Could Never Replace Him

BYGabriel Bras Nevares673 Views
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The Chicago MC didn't dismiss artificial intelligence as a benefactor to music, but only if it's used rightfully and not as a replacement for artists.

One of tech's most significant recent developments in music either motivates fans for the future or scares artists due to its potential dangers. While A.I. deepfakes (involving pictures, voices, statements, and beyond) are more prevalent than ever, many artists spoke out against its malpractice. The most recent to do so is Lil Durk, who spoke with HipHopDX about artificial intelligence that can replicate parts of the creative process. One day, some believe, A.I. will be able to fully replicate an artist's sound. Just look at the recent controversial A.I.-generated Jay-Z verse that had fans, small artists, and the industry at large concerned.

Despite those legitimate fears and the threats artificial intelligence replicas pose to copyright and artists' livelihood, The Voice says a fake voice could never replace him. Not only that, but the Chicago storyteller treated the issue as a tool to use wisely, not as a definite benefit or plight to the music world. "I heard them AI deep fakes usin’ my voice, it’s wild what tech be doin’,” he expressed to the publication. “I think AI gon’ change how we make music, but ain’t nothin’ gonna replace the real deal, them raw vibes and emotions we bring. Just gotta make sure we use it right, ya know? Keep our essence alive."

Lil Durk Talks A.I. Amid NFT-Sneaker Hybrid Collection

Interestingly enough, Durkio knows a thing or two about these new waves of tech. For example, he also spoke to HipHopDX about his NFT-centered "phygital" sneaker collection, NXTG3NZ. Basically, the concept revolves around purchasing a digital NFT, which then allows for a customized experience in copping a physical model of the product. During his conversation with the hip-hop news org, he also chose which moment of his career he'd like to immortalize in NFT form if given the chance.

"I’d pick the time I sold out United Center in my hometown [in 2022], the energy was unreal,” the 30-year-old stated. “That night was somethin’ else, and I’d love to share that vibe with the fans, let ’em feel what I felt on that stage." Sure, NFTs aren't any less controversial than this A.I. tech in some circles, but Durk clearly cares more about the righteous execution of these innovations rather than their proliferation at face value. Regardless, stick around on HNHH for the latest news and updates on Lil Durk.

About The Author
Gabriel Bras Nevares is a staff writer for HotNewHipHop. He joined HNHH while completing his B.A. in Journalism & Mass Communication at The George Washington University in the summer of 2022. Born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Gabriel treasures the crossover between his native reggaetón and hip-hop news coverage, such as his review for Bad Bunny’s hometown concert in 2024. But more specifically, he digs for the deeper side of hip-hop conversations, whether that’s the “death” of the genre in 2023, the lyrical and parasocial intricacies of the Kendrick Lamar and Drake battle, or the many moving parts of the Young Thug and YSL RICO case. Beyond engaging and breaking news coverage, Gabriel makes the most out of his concert obsessions, reviewing and recapping festivals like Rolling Loud Miami and Camp Flog Gnaw. He’s also developed a strong editorial voice through album reviews, think-pieces, and interviews with some of the genre’s brightest upstarts and most enduring obscured gems like Homeboy Sandman, Bktherula, Bas, and Devin Malik.
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