SZA blasts AI after discovering more than 200 of her songs were used to train music models

June 22, 2026 – Radio 854 Music News:

R&B superstar SZA has spoken out against artificial intelligence after discovering that hundreds of her songs were allegedly included in datasets used to train AI music-generation models.

The controversy emerged after a newly launched online tool allowed artists to check whether their music appeared in datasets commonly used by AI developers. According to reports, SZA found that 238 of her songs had been used for AI training purposes, with the singer suggesting that some of the material may even have been unreleased.

The Grammy-winning artist did not hold back in her reaction, sharing her frustration on social media and condemning the use of musicians’ work without permission. She also raised concerns about the impact of AI on creative industries and questioned whether Black artists are being disproportionately exploited by emerging technologies.

SZA is not alone in her criticism. Producer Kenneth Blume and several other musicians have also voiced concerns after discovering their work in AI training datasets. Many artists argue that their music is being used without consent, compensation, or transparency.

The datasets in question reportedly contain more than 21 million songs from both major and independent artists. While some technology companies have acknowledged using such datasets to develop AI systems, it remains unclear exactly how many AI music platforms have relied on them.

The debate arrives as legal battles surrounding AI-generated music continue to intensify. Major record labels have already filed lawsuits against leading AI music companies, arguing that copyrighted material has been used without authorization.

As AI technology becomes increasingly capable of creating songs, artists and industry leaders are calling for stronger protections to ensure that creators maintain control over their work. SZA’s latest comments are likely to add further momentum to the growing debate over the future of music in the age of artificial intelligence.