Someone’s view on AI seems like the litmus test for their feelings about art as a whole. There are some camps that hold creativity as a sacred part of existence and, in turn, vehemently oppose the inclusion of artificial intelligence in human art. These critics argue that AI bypasses the fundamental aspect of expression by having a computer do all the work. This argument also supports the idea that human imperfections bring beauty and distinction to that art.
However, there are other camps that embrace artificial intelligence completely. To their opposition, these AI supporters might appear money-hungry or jaded. Those using AI might argue that the resource is merely a tool to increase efficiency in an ever-evolving, lightning-fast marketplace. No matter the stance, AI tends to evoke strong emotions.
Wyclef Jean, it would seem, leans toward the latter camp, with a staggering seven albums allegedly coming in 2026. Whereas some artists can pump out a ton of records in one year on their own, the Haitian artist has proudly revealed he relied on the emergence of AI to aid him.
In a brief interview with content creator Jack Banana, he addressed what he would do if he were a new artist today. Wyclef Jean revealed that he consults for AI music behind the scenes. Consequently, that knowledge would’ve increased his musical output immensely.
“I think that I would be moving at a double speed of what I’m moving right now,” he emphasized. Then, he outlined his plan to release seven albums, one per month starting in March.
Wyclef Jean Details His Plan to Release Seven Albums in 2026 With AI
Elsewhere in the conversation, the interviewer asked the Fugees legend what the music industry doesn’t want artists to know. Wyclef explained how it preys on an artist’s self-worth, not realizing that they dictate the marketplace. Without their work, the industry doesn’t have a drum to beat. The artist fundamentally brings the business, and that’s all the more reason for the industry to exploit them.
“The artist is the business. You are the business. Everything that you see [them] doing, they negotiating on your behalf,” Wyclef Jean told the TikTok creator. “There’s a middleman. You don’t need no middle man. You are the business!”
Opinions on AI-generated music remain split among artists in the music industry. While Timbaland and Wyclef Jean are quick to embrace the concept, artists like Kehlani and J.I.D. are vehemently against it. Jermaine Dupri arguably made the best point back in November 2025, using a bit of music history to illuminate his argument.
“So let me get this right, years ago the industry found out that Milli Vanilli weren’t really the voices on their Grammy-winning record, and they were stripped of their Grammy, but now we’re getting ready to accept people who can’t even sing, creating songs for a fake person? How is this any different than Milli Vanilli?” Jermaine Dupri questioned.
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