Hip-hop is at odds with the surge in AI use in the genre and culture. While many artists are vehemently against the medium, legends like Wyclef Jean and Timbaland are coming out in full support of the technology. Moreover, one of the biggest songs of the summer is generated with the help of the technology. The defense is always the same: it’s a tool, get with the times, or you’re not truly creative if you’re not trying it. Now, Dr. Dre has joined the ranks of people fawning over AI in music.
In an interview with Jimmy Iovine published in the New York Times, the West Coast legend said he doesn’t see AI as a threat. Instead, he placed the blame on people who aren’t nearly as creative and open-minded. “I think the only people that see it as a threat are the people who have trouble creating,” Dr. Dre said.
Additionally, he tried to use a bit of music history in an attempt to debunk the anti-AI sentiment. In his eyes, using new technology is no different from using synths or autotune. People had the same fear then, so it’s natural to have it today.
Dr. Dre Stands in Favor of AI in Music, Teases That Other Producers Are Using It Too
“I had a discussion with a few people a few days ago,” Dre recalled. “They were against AI and I’m like, ‘OK, you sound like the person that would have been against the drum machine when it came out.’ Or synthesizers, right? It’s a new tool for creativity. Some people are afraid of learning new things.”
As far as his own personal use, it’s not clear if Dr. Dre has used it in music. But the most recent question he prompted a chatbot with was centered around fitness. “How do you put on muscle and lose fat at the same time? That’s it,” he said.
Timbaland shared similar sentiments to Dr. Dre in November 2025. He told fans that he understands their unease about the technology. However, the only way to push things forward is to try to work around any bad issues.
“I understand the fear. Of all people, this is my life’s work. It probably impacts me the most. Yet, I’ll adapt and continue doing what I do. I’ve built a career doing things the hard and slow way and what I love the most about music is the process of creation, not the end result,” Timbaland said. “I’ll gladly use it if it enables me to do something that would be otherwise impossible.”
(Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images for The Recording Academy)
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