Timbaland‘s AI Artist TaTa Taktumi Sparks Controversy Over Cultural Representation
NEW YORK – Music producer Timbaland is facing significant backlash following the debut of TaTa Taktumi, an AI-generated artist created through his new venture, StageZero.The controversy centers on lyrics in Taktumi’s latest track and broader concerns about an AI performer embodying aspects of Black culture.
Taktumi’s song features provocative lines including, “I put ice on my shooter / he gonna duck immigration / btch I’m back now / check my stats now.” The lyrics have ignited debate among fans and critics regarding creativity, authenticity, and ethical considerations.
Timbaland described TaTa Taktumi and StageZero to *Variety as a new form of intellectual property,stating,”TaTa’s gonna shock the world,man.I don’t want to reveal too much yet, but it ain’t what people think.” He likened the project to Disney, adding, “I’m blurring the lines – TaTa is something truly unique. The video is 85% human-made; I’m only utilizing AI about 15% or less.”
The release of a video snippet on X (formerly Twitter) drew immediate criticism. One user wrote,”Using AI to create a non-Black artist to embody Black culture just so you can exploit without guilt is fcking insane.” Another posted, ”Timbaland destroying his own legacy wasn’t in my 2025 cards.”
Despite the criticism,Timbaland maintains that AI is a tool to *enhance human creativity,not replace it. “I don’t generate music like that because you still need the human element. I just use it to enhance other aspects of my music,” he told Variety. He emphasized the importance of skill and taste in utilizing AI, warning that “poor taste leads to what they call ’AI slop.'” He advocates for treating AI “as a collaborator rather than a creator.”
The launch of TaTa Taktumi has positioned Timbaland at the intersection of innovation and cultural responsibility, sparking a wider conversation about artistry, technology, and accountability in the evolving landscape of AI-generated music.
