LA-based rapper Fenix Flexin has publicly denied allegations that his popular song "Rubberz" was created using artificial intelligence. The track, released in June, has gained significant traction, reaching No. 66 on the Billboard Hot 100. However, its success has been met with online speculation regarding its origins.
Listeners and industry figures have pointed to perceived shifts in Fenix Flexin's vocal style, including a British accent and a sound distinct from his previous work, as potential indicators of AI involvement. Some YouTube comments suggest the entire song was generated by AI, with one user joking about lyrics being fed into an AI to mimic the style of The Smiths.
Skepticism also arose from Fenix Flexin's ability to hit higher notes in "Rubberz" than typically heard in his earlier music. A YouTube clip circulating online appeared to show the rapper awkwardly lip-syncing to the track, further fueling doubts.
During an interview clip shared by Stereogum, Fenix Flexin directly addressed the rumors when asked about anything he wanted to clear up regarding the song. He responded, "The AI sh-t? Nah, s—t is recorded like any other song." The interview then cut to Fenix performing "Rubberz," during which he appeared to falter on some of the lyrics.
Producer Medasin was among those who questioned the song's creation process, publishing a breakdown suggesting AI usage. Medasin claimed that a filename, "Sonauto," visible in a previously posted snippet of the unfinished track, refers to an AI music-generation platform that rebranded as Treblo shortly before "Rubberz" was released.
In an attempt to counter the accusations, Fenix Flexin later posted a video showcasing a Pro Tools project for "Rubberz," implying conventional production methods. However, critics, including Medasin, remained unconvinced, with Futurism noting that AI-generated tracks can be separated into stems and imported into projects. Fenix Flexin reportedly deleted the video thereafter.
Despite the ongoing online debate, no definitive proof of AI generation has been presented, and Fenix Flexin has firmly denied the claims.