“It’s not how you start; it’s how you finish” — Swizz Beatz speaks in Timbaland’s defense over the latter’s AI artist launch

Swizz Beatz has come to Timbaland's defense as the latter faces backlash for announcing his plans for a record label and signing an AI artist. During a recent conversation on a live stream featuring Timbo, Young Guru, and 19 Keys, Beatz said,

"I'm happy that Tim is into AI. Because all the white people are in it. It's not how you start; it's how you finish. So this is Tim's entry point into AI. Whether we like it or not, it's an entry point."

The producer continued his rant by adding,

"Now we can go in the house and rearrange the furniture."

He had one piece of advice for Timbaland, though. Swizz highlighted the importance of being transparent in the music space, so that his audience can get a better understanding of what the artist is trying to accomplish.

"That's a hell of an accomplishment. When I see it, people hit me I'm like 'God damn. I ain't speak to Tim about this. I would've given him a couple different (ways) to go about it.' (...) I respect you as your own boss but we can always communicate."

More about Timbaland and Swizz Beatz's friendship

Timbaland and Swizz Beatz have long been friends and have supported each other professionally in their careers. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the duo launched Verzuz, an online partnership that they had acquired from its previous partner, Triller.

Verzuz was launched in 2020 as a way to connect music fans by hosting rap or DJ battles online. The platform quickly gained recognition by matching up Babyface vs. Teddy Riley, Nelly vs. Ludacris, Boi-1da vs. Hit-Boy, T-Pain vs. Lil Jon, RZA vs. DJ Premiere, Erykah Badu vs. Jill Scott, Alicia Keys vs. John Legend, DMX vs. Snoop Dogg, etc.

The platform produced over 40 episodes, generating over 100 million live views and over 70 billion impressions.

In June 2024, the online platform struck a partnership deal with Elon Musk's X, and the pair announced the news during the Cannes Lions conference in France in June. During the announcement, Swizz Beatz said,

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"We are beyond thrilled to have found the best partner for Verzuz. Not only are we excited to have Verzuz on X, we're excited to help X build the biggest entertainment company in the world. I would like to thank Elon Musk, Linda Yaccarino, Brett Weitz, Mitchell Smith, and the entire X team for believing in the Verzuz vision."

Timbaland also echoed Beatz's words and appreciated excitement and gratitude.

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