Timbaland responds to Kehlani‘s Concerns About AI in Music, Framing Future as “extinction or Evolution“
Los Angeles, CA – November 27, 2025 – Music producer Timbaland has responded to singer Kehlani’s recent critique of artificial intelligence’s growing role in the music industry, presenting a stark choice for artists: adapt to the technology or risk becoming obsolete.The exchange unfolded publicly on Instagram following Kehlani’s interview wiht real 92.3, where she voiced frustration with being forced to “compete with a computer.”
Kehlani’s concerns extended beyond artists, encompassing the broader ecosystem of music production. “What about the mixing engineers? about the producers? What about the instrumentalists? What about the people that you call to make the cover art?” she asked during the interview, highlighting the potential displacement of skilled professionals.
Timbaland’s response, shared via a post on his X (formerly Twitter) account, featured a Matrix-inspired image attributed to the “World Economic Quorum.” The post read, “You can either evolve or become extinct.”
The producer’s message wasn’t a direct attack on Kehlani, but rather a philosophical statement advocating for embracing technological advancements. He positioned AI not as a threat,but as a tool musicians will need to integrate into their creative processes.
The exchange highlights a growing divide within the R&B and hip-hop communities. Kehlani represents a viewpoint prioritizing traditional craftsmanship, human emotion, and the value of skilled labor. Timbaland, who has actively experimented with AI tools, champions the potential for AI to enhance creativity.
The debate reflects a wider industry conversation about the future of music creation, with artists and professionals grappling with the implications of AI on artistic integrity, economic chance, and the very definition of musical artistry. kehlani’s warnings center on the potential loss of nuance and livelihood, while Timbaland emphasizes the risks of resisting innovation.
