Did Fenix Flexin Make the Song of the Summer-Or Did AI?

Fenix Flexin released the song “Rubberz” on June 5, sparking widespread speculation that the track utilizes generative AI. According to reports, the Shoreline Mafia member collaborated with 808 Mafia producer Purps on the Beat to create a track that blends street rap lyrics with British new wave production.

Why is “Rubberz” facing AI scrutiny?

The track has become a subject of scrutiny because the music industry is on high alert for established artists using generative AI to cut creative corners. Musicians interviewed by POW believe Fenix Flexin used AI on the track, though they hold differing opinions on the specific level of technology involved.

“Rubberz” features Oberheim DMX-style drum tones and a wounded tenor vocal. Fenix adopts an English-ish accent to deliver lyrics about “Plastic smiles on Sunset Boulevard” and “Swipin’ cards and stackin’ chips.”

Did You Know? The song “Rubberz” utilizes Oberheim DMX-style drum tones and blends street rap with British new wave production.

How does this compare to other AI music controversies?

The debate over “Rubberz” follows other high-profile instances of AI use in music. Kanye West faced criticism for using vocal deepfaking on his scrapped album, Cuck, while Timbaland has encountered backlash for his partnership with the AI music application Suno.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that the tension surrounding “Rubberz” reflects a broader industry struggle to define the boundary between tool-assisted production and the replacement of human creativity. The stakes involve not just artistic integrity, but the potential devaluation of technical skill in songwriting.

What are the potential implications for mainstream music?

Taylor Gang producer and artist 6AM has used his Instagram stories to argue that passing off generative AI as human creativity creates a slippery slope. He told POW that this trend “opens up the floodgates for fucking anybody with no talent to just put out a song and say, ‘Yeah, this is me right here. This is my art.’”

FENIX FLEXIN – RUBBERZ (MUSIC VIDEO)

6AM characterized the situation as “Pandora’s box.” If the use of AI becomes normalized, it may lead to a shift in how the industry defines talent and artistic ownership.

What may happen next?

The industry may see increased demand for transparency regarding the use of generative tools in commercial releases. Future tracks that mirror this style could face similar scrutiny from peers and critics.

Depending on the response from Fenix Flexin, this case may serve as a precedent for how artists disclose AI involvement in their creative process.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was “Rubberz” released?
The song was released on June 5.

Who collaborated with Fenix Flexin on the track?
The song is a collaboration with 808 Mafia producer Purps on the Beat.

What specific AI-related criticisms have other artists faced?
Kanye West was criticized for vocal deepfaking on the scrapped album Cuck, and Timbaland faced backlash for partnering with the AI app Suno.

Does the use of generative AI diminish the artistic value of a song?