In a surprising twist, the enigmatic artist known as Ghostwriter has resurfaced with an AI-generated track featuring the vocal stylings of rap giants Travis Scott and 21 Savage. Titled “Whiplash,” the song not only showcases the capabilities of artificial intelligence but also raises intriguing questions about the future of music and creative collaboration.
Ghostwriter initially made headlines earlier this year with their audacious release, “Heart on My Sleeve,” which utilized AI voice effects to mimic the voices of pop icons Drake and The Weeknd. The controversial track was swiftly removed from official streaming services due to legal concerns, yet it quickly gained notoriety on social media, amassing millions of listens and sparking a wave of experimental compositions.
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While Ghostwriter remained silent in the public eye, behind the scenes, they were quietly engaging with key figures in the music industry. The project’s team held meetings with record labels, tech leaders, music platforms, and artists to explore how AI could be harnessed to enhance musical creativity and innovation. This summer, they participated in a virtual round-table discussion organized by the Recording Academy, signaling the industry’s growing interest in AI‘s role in music.
Harvey Mason Jr., CEO of the Recording Academy, expressed his fascination with “Heart on My Sleeve” and directly contacted Ghostwriter through social media. Remarkably, Ghostwriter attended the meeting in character, maintaining their mystique with a distorted voice.
With the release of “Whiplash,” Ghostwriter is sending a clear message to the industry: AI is here to stay. The song, posted on platforms like TikTok and X (formerly Twitter), calls upon Travis Scott and 21 Savage to collaborate on an official release. Ghostwriter even offers to label the song as AI-generated and direct royalties to the artists, demonstrating the potential of AI to streamline creative processes.
Representatives for Travis Scott and 21 Savage have yet to comment on the proposal.
It’s important to note that, like “Heart on My Sleeve,” “Whiplash” is an original composition created and recorded by humans, with AI components used to mimic the voices and styles of established stars.
The intrigue doesn’t end there. Ghostwriter has submitted “Heart on My Sleeve” for Grammy consideration in two categories: Best Rap Song and Song of the Year, recognizing the writers behind the track. According to Mason, the Recording Academy will assess whether the song meets the commercial availability requirement, ensuring it has “general distribution.”
Ghostwriter’s mission extends beyond making headlines. The project aims to raise awareness about the creative and business potential of AI voice filters, comparing it to the early days of hip-hop sampling or user-generated content on YouTube. Possibilities include fans doing karaoke in their favorite artist’s voice, at-home creators producing original music inspired by their idols, and posthumous releases from artists’ estates using AI filters.
With guidance from industry experts and organizations like the Recording Academy, Ghostwriter seeks to establish a platform that empowers artists to license their voices while maintaining control and receiving fair compensation.
In a closing statement, Mason emphasized the inevitability of AI’s role in the music industry. “We can’t pretend to turn our back on it and try to ban it,” he stated, highlighting the importance of protecting the creative community as AI continues to shape the future of music.
As Ghostwriter continues to blur the lines between human creativity and artificial intelligence, the music world watches with bated breath, eager to see how this technological revolution will transform the industry.