Kehlani is speaking out about the growing presence of artificial intelligence in the music industry.
The Grammy-nominated R&B singer Kehlani took to Threads to share her disappointment following reports that Xania Monet, an AI-generated artist, has signed a multimillion-dollar recording deal.
“An AI artist signed a 3 million dollar deal, has a top 5 R&B album currently called Unfolded and is reposting people praising them for being anointed… lmao I f***ing hate this reality,” Kehlani wrote. Her post quickly gained traction, echoing a wider debate among musicians and fans about the impact of AI on artistry, opportunity, and authenticity. “Al isn’t culture,” a fan commented, “Al isn’t community. Al isn’t legacy. That $3M is wasted. it’s exhausting watching the industry prioritize machines over the very souls that keep music alive.”
Who Is Xania Monet?
Xania Monet is the digital persona of Telisha “Nikki” Jones, a 31-year-old poet and lyricist from Mississippi. Using AI platform Suno, Jones transformed her poetry and personal lyrics into full-length tracks, blending AI-generated vocals and production with her own creative direction. About 90% of the lyrics draw directly from Jones’ lived experiences, while the rest come from her community.
Despite being an AI-driven act, Monet’s music has resonated with listeners. Songs like “How Was I Supposed to Know” and “Let Go, Let God” have climbed Billboard’s digital charts, and the project has already earned over 9.8 million U.S. streams, including 5.4 million in just one week. The buzz led to a label bidding war, culminating in a $3 million deal with Hallwood Media, led by former Interscope executive Neil Jacobson.