Doja Cat found herself at the center of an unsettling digital deception this week when a wave of AI-generated songs flooded social media, fooling fans into believing they were leaked tracks from her recent albums. The rapper quickly took to X to set the record straight, writing, 'All of those songs that are leaking that they’re saying are mine are AI. None of it is me. Really disappointed in everyone thinking that’s me :/ Fuck AI for real.' The posts featured songs with titles like 'Loon1e,' 'Dead Inside,' and 'Ball & Chain,' which racked up thousands of likes and views before some were removed for copyright infringement. One fan even admitted, 'I didn’t want to hear the leaks but ‘Loon1y’ got me hooked… making my day better even if they are AI.'

This incident underscores a growing crisis in the music industry: the use of generative AI to replicate artists' voices and styles without consent. Doja Cat, who released her fifth studio album Vie last year and its predecessor Scarlet in 2023, has built a career on distinctive vocal delivery and genre-blending production. The fake tracks, while convincingly mimicking her melodic and lyrical style, were entirely fabricated by AI models trained on her existing catalog. The episode echoes similar controversies involving other artists, with AI-generated songs impersonating Drake, The Weeknd, and even deceased performers like Johnny Cash.

The Broader AI Crisis in Music

Doja Cat’s frustration was shared by fellow musician SZA, who just days earlier posted a blistering critique of AI on Instagram. SZA revealed that over 200 of her songs had been used to train generative AI models, writing, 'If your a musician and you support this degenerate shit? Your disgusting and there’s NOTHING YOU COULD EVER SAY TO ME TO MAKE THIS OKAY. I hope u have the life u deserve.' She specifically called out 'vultures' using services like Suno to 'train it on the best and brightest Black minds of writers and producers,' noting that Black musicians make up 13% of the American population yet influence the world's sound and perspective. 'I AINT HEARD A WHITE AI SONG YET,' she added. 'We have no protection in legislature medical or creative. The easiest to steal from. DO NOT GIVE AWAY YOUR VIBRANIUM !!! DO NOT TRAIN AI W YOUR GENIUS.'

Producer Kenny Beats, known for his work with artists like Rico Nasty and JPEGMafia, also directed a scathing message at Suno: 'You are true losers. Whoever’s running this account, and your boss, and their bosses boss. I can’t imagine going into work daily knowing you are stealing from countless struggling musicians. I can’t imagine being proud to earn a paycheck obliterating the work and dreams of artists. Get fucked, every single one of you.' These remarks highlight a growing backlash against AI platforms that scrape copyrighted music without authorization to train their algorithms.

Understanding Suno and Its Impact

Suno is a text-to-music AI generator that allows users to create original songs by inputting prompts. While the platform claims to produce entirely new compositions, critics argue it relies on a database of existing music—often used without permission—to generate outputs that mimic specific artists’ styles. The controversy has sparked legal and ethical debates. In 2024, major record labels including Universal Music Group sued Suno and competitor Udio for copyright infringement, alleging that the companies 'exploit artists' work for profit.' The music industry’s trade group, the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), has called for stronger legal protections, but legislation lags behind technological advances.

For Doja Cat, the fake leak is particularly galling because of her meticulous control over her artistic output. She has often clashed with fans over expectations and leaks in the past, but this marks the first time AI has been weaponized to fabricate her music. Her fifth album Vie was a critical and commercial success, debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. Its predecessor Scarlet likewise cemented her status as one of pop’s most innovative forces. The AI imitations threaten to diminish the value of her genuine work by flooding the ecosystem with counterfeit content.

A Growing Problem for Black Artists

SZA’s focus on the disproportionate impact on Black musicians is well-founded. Historically, Black artists have seen their work appropriated—from early rock ’n’ roll to hip-hop—without fair compensation or credit. AI amplifies this pattern, as generative models trained on Black musical traditions can produce songs that sound authentically soulful, rap, or R&B without compensating the originators. According to a 2025 study by the Black Music Action Coalition, AI-generated music disproportionately replicates styles developed by Black artists, yet less than 3% of AI music startups have diverse leadership. The lack of representation in tech means the safeguards and ethical guidelines often overlook the communities most affected.

Doja Cat herself is part of a lineage of Black women in hip-hop and pop who have shaped the current soundscape. Her rise from viral internet persona to Grammy-winning superstar mirrors the trajectory of many artists who leveraged platforms like TikTok and YouTube. Now, those same platforms are being used to spread AI-generated fakes, making it harder for genuine talent to stand out. The fake 'Loon1e' leak garnered thousands of interactions before takedowns, demonstrating how quickly AI can overwhelm organic discovery.

What Can Be Done?

Artists and advocacy groups are pushing for several measures. The RIAA has called for the U.S. Congress to pass the No AI FRAUD Act, which would prohibit the use of an individual's voice or likeness in AI-generated content without consent. Some states, like Tennessee (home to Nashville's music industry), have enacted the ELVIS Act, which extends personality rights to include voice. However, enforcement remains difficult, especially when AI models are trained on data scraped from the internet. The platform X (formerly Twitter) also faces criticism for not proactively removing the fake Doja Cat tracks, only taking action after copyright claims were filed.

Meanwhile, companies like Suno have defended their practices, arguing that their AI generates new works rather than copying existing ones. In a statement earlier this year, Suno CEO Mikey Shulman said, 'We believe that AI has the potential to democratize music creation, allowing anyone to express themselves creatively. We respect artists’ rights and are committed to working with the industry to find fair solutions.' But critics counter that without explicit consent and compensation, these tools remain extractive.

Doja Cat’s reaction—emphatic and unforgiving—signals that artists will not remain silent. Her use of 'Fuck AI for real' is a rallying cry that resonates with many in the industry. As the technology improves, the line between real and fake becomes increasingly blurred, making it imperative for legal and ethical frameworks to catch up. For now, fans are left to wonder how many other songs circulating online are not what they seem.

The incident also highlights the emotional toll on artists. Doja Cat’s disappointment stems not just from the violation of her intellectual property but from the fact that her own audience—who should know her voice—failed to recognize the difference. In an era where authenticity is currency, AI erodes trust between musicians and listeners. As SZA put it, 'Vibranium'—the fictional metal in Black Panther symbolizing the invaluable resource of Black genius—should not be given away for free. Doja Cat’s leaked AI songs are just the latest battle in a war over who owns the sound of human creativity.

Source: Rolling Stone News