“Do you not realize what is going on in the world” — Young Guru calls out Timbaland over his AI artist, the latter responds 

Music Mogul Timbaland found himself in deep trouble after revealing TaTa, an AI-generated artist that was created by his new firm, Stage Zero. He made the announcement on June 5, 2025, which was quickly criticized, particularly by Young Guru, Jay-Z's trusted engineer and lifelong friend.

The two industry titans clashed regarding artificial intelligence's place in music and culture on a live stream and through Instagram posts and comments. Guru tweeted:

“Do you not realize what is going on in the world.”

Young Guru, who is renowned for encouraging genuine talent and teaching students, wasn't holding back. Tagging Timbaland in his comment, he wrote:

"I'm going to say it again. I swear I love you bro but this ain't it. Do you not realize what is going on in the world. Your voice is powerful and way too important to do anything like this. I have students who worship you."

He went on warning Timbaland that aspiring musicians may be misled by the music mogul's use of AI. Guru cautioned, advising him to think about the long-term effects:

"They are going to say "if Tim can do it, then it is ok for me to do it." These are the times, right here, that history is defined.. Human expression can never be reduced to this!!! This is way bigger than music!!! I say this in all love."

He also warned that the music industry would experience a similar fate, where creativity would fall prey to automation.

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Timbaland responds

Timbaland responded by intensifying his vision. He posted a humorous AI-generated video in which a virtual figure makes fun of critics, saying:

“Y’all crying about AI taking your spot, but your songs barely mix.”

Many were offended by the condescending tone, such as media personality Lauren Speed-Hamilton, who voiced more general worries about AI's infringement on human creativity, and rapper Rexx Life Raj, who said:

“Unc went out sad.”

In a subsequent post, Timbaland made an effort to clarify his intentions in spite of the criticism. He clarified:

"I know I’m trolling but let’s have real conversation. I love my independent artists. This doesn’t mean I’m not working with real artists anymore."

He continued:

"And nah I don’t train ai off y’all music. This just means more creativity for creators."

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Heated debate on live stream

Young Guru joined the music mogul for a live discussion about the matter. On June 8, 2025, he warned the music mogul that composers, singers, and producers may someday be displaced by AI. He said:

"You're feeding the beast!"

Timbaland maintained his position, claiming that his own catalog and artistic vision were used to create TaTa. He remarked:

“I can’t train something that I don’t own. This is my character, my creation.”

Also, he posted a video of music entrepreneur Ray Daniels comparing AI artists to cartoon characters like Mickey Mouse and Bugs Bunny, who are able to sell goods and services without actually being real. He said:

The music mogul posted a video of music entrepreneur Ray Daniels. When asked about the use of AI artists, he answered:

"Why the f*ck wouldn’t you?”

Also, Daniels compared AI artists to cartoon characters like Mickey Mouse and Bugs Bunny, who are able to sell goods and services without actually being real. He said:

"Mickey Mouse is an AI character. Donald Dunk is an AI character. Bugs Bunny is an AI character."

Daniels went on to explain:

"You guys are looking at it wrong. He’s gonna make a character that he can have sing songs and sell products. That’s all these cartoonists and young kid TV shows are doing anyway, so why are y’all mad at him?"

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This isn't the first time that AI has been scaring people. There have been incidents in the past, like FN Meka, an AI rapper signed to Capitol Records in 2022, who was canceled as it made use of racial slurs.

Deepfakes have been utilized to perform or create versions of deceased artists or current artists.

Stay tuned to Soap Central for more information.