In case you missed my disclaimer in last week’s article, let me say it again: that piece was written entirely by AI. Its purpose was to assist in the creation of this week’s article. After that experience, I can’t imagine ever using AI in that way again.
So how did I end up letting AI write an article for me in the first place? While researching Xania Monet, ChatGPT offered an analysis of the subject from the perspective of the Mean Ole Lion. I often use AI tools for my work with my podcast network, and since I am the Mean Ole Lion, I found it interesting that ChatGPT seemed to know what I might think or feel about an AI artist in urban radio.
As I reflected on what ChatGPT wrote, I understood how it reached its conclusion. To back up a bit: I was once solely a radio programmer. Today I’m a content creator. So when ChatGPT presented my position as supportive of a creator using new technology to express themselves in a creative way, I got it. It resonated with me.
I also thought it was interesting that ChatGPT emphasized the fact that the content creator in this instance was a Black woman. Why not? My ChatGPT account has learned that our network includes several strong, credible Black women leading some of our top podcasts.
I’d like to believe that support for the creator of Xania Monet would have shown up in my initial response. But the question remains: What is my response to urban radio’s first AI artist? As I said, I’m a content creator—and a passionate one. Passion is what AI lacks. I appreciate what the human creator contributed to the project. She’s a poet who poured real words and emotions into her work and used AI as a tool to enhance her expression.
However, that’s where my appreciation for Xania Monet ends. As an R&B lover and longtime radio programmer, I found the music from this AI-generated artist lacked passion—both vocally and musically. I understand that most songs today aren’t created by live musicians in a studio. Even so, the drum machines and keyboard-driven records that shaped generations of music were made with intention, emotion, and human skill. While I’m not a musician myself, I’ve witnessed the creative process firsthand. There’s simply no substitute for that human spark.
To bottom-line it: I hold no ill will toward the creator of Xania Monet. I don’t believe she’s trying to mislead anyone. I do, however, have strong feelings about transparency. AI-generated artists should never compete on the radio without clear disclosure. While I appreciate her vision and her creative use of technology, an AI generated artist’s place should not be in direct competition with the work of non AI assisted live artists.
I’d love to hear your thoughts. Reach me on LinkedIn or at ken@kenjohnsonmedia.com.
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Ken Johnson is an Urban/Hip-Hop columnist for Barrett Media. Born and raised in Washington DC, his career experiences include serving as VP of Urban formats for Cumulus Media, holding the Director of Urban Programming post at ABC Radio Networks, and programming stations in Birmingham, Boston, Philadelphia, and New York City. He has also managed affiliate relations for the Nick Cannon show, and worked as the Executive Producer of The Hughley Truth Podcast hosted by comedian DL Hughley. Ken currently runs Mean Ole Lion Media, a content creation company and podcast network. He can be reached by email at ken@kenjohnsonmedia.com.
