Tyga Admits to Using AI on New ‘$tarface’ Album: ‘It’s No Different Than When Auto-Tune Came Out’

Tyga isn’t denying the AI allegations.

The West Coast rapper talked to VIBE recently about his ’80s-inspired $tarface alter-ego and the self-titled album it spawned, which has been suspected of being produced with the help of artificial intelligence. The speculation is now over, as he’s admitted to utilizing AI music generator Suno for things like “’80s synths” and a “guitar solo.”

“I’ve never spoken on this with anybody because I always felt like it’s similar to a magician explaining how he does his tricks. Like why are people over-explaining how they make sh– that’s good?” he said when asked directly if he used AI music programs like Suno and compared its current controversial usage to that of the use of Auto-Tune during the mid-2000s. “It’s supposed to give you an experience and a feeling. But we definitely used AI as a [tool],” he continued. “And I know people are going to be mad about me saying this, but it’s where technology is going. It’s no different than when Auto-Tune came out. Some people were opposed to it, but real artists took it and used it.”

He added: “But as far as the writing, all the vocals are all me. There’s nothing wrong with using technology as a tool.”

The AI allegations really started earlier this summer after Shoreline Mafia’s Fenix Flexin had everyone talking with his own ’80s-inspired single “RUBBERZ,” and then footage popped up on social media of he and Tyga in the studio recording a song titled “Lavish” that had those very same ’80s-pop-leaning synth elements.

However, according to Tyga, the two just so happened to be “experimenting” with this new sound at the same time. “Nah, we just did the ‘Lavish’ record. But when he came to the studio, I was already deep into working on my ‘80s-sounding music. I had already played him some stuff,” he replied after being asked if he and Fenix planned any of this. “So, when I saw what he was doing, I was like, ‘Oh, this is fire! We should do this record together because I see you on a similar wave. I think it was just cool to do, you know? We’re going to put the video out in a few weeks. The song just didn’t fit the aesthetic of the $tarface project. ”