AI-generated music is increasingly appearing on major charts, but the industry has not agreed on a single way to identify or regulate it. Fenix Flexin’s “Rubberz,” released in June, reached No 58 on the Billboard Hot 100 and passed 35 million Spotify streams before its creator acknowledged using AI in the song’s production.
The dispute comes as Universal Music Group, Sony Music and Warner Music Group propose excluding AI-generated tracks from global charts unless they are authorized, lawful, substantially human-made and free from concerns about streaming or chart manipulation.
The “Rubberz” dispute exposed how difficult detection can be
Fenix Flexin, known for his work with rap duo Shoreline Mafia, initially said he had used Auto-Tune and a phoney British accent rather than AI. Indie DJ-producer Medasin later said a demonstration using the free generative music tool Treblo produced a track with sounds and lyrics eerily close to “Rubberz.” Fenix disputed that evidence, then wrote that he had used AI but said it had nothing to do with the recording process.
Treblo’s open-source classifier describes “Rubberz” as “very likely Treblo.” Treblo co-founder Ryan Tremblay said the song received a very high probability score, while the source material notes that the classifier has not been independently reviewed. Fenix’s representative declined to comment when approached.
Labels want chart safeguards while continuing AI partnerships
On 29 July, the three major record companies joined other labels in proposing global chart rules for AI-generated music. Under the suggested criteria, tracks would need to be properly authorized, lawful and substantially human-made, and would also need to avoid suspected streaming or chart manipulation. Such songs would not qualify for charts such as the Billboard Hot 100.
The labels say some AI tracks on streaming services were created with tools trained on artists’ music without permission and were connected to fraudulently boosted streams. At the same time, the major labels have announced partnerships with companies including Nvidia, Spotify and Stability AI to develop music tools. BMG also announced a partnership with the AI music platform Suno.
AI acts have already reached several Billboard charts
“Rubberz” is described in the source material as the first AI-generated single to reach the Hot 100, but other AI-linked acts had already appeared on Billboard charts. In November, Breaking Rust reached No 1 on the country digital song sales chart with “Walk My Walk.” That month, Xania Monet became the first AI act to enter a Billboard radio airplay chart and later reached No 1 on the R&B digital song sales chart.
Billboard reported that at least six AI-generated or AI-assisted artists debuted on its charts in 2025, while acknowledging that the total may be higher because identifying AI use has become more difficult. A Deezer and Ipsos study found that 97% of participants could not distinguish AI-generated music from human-made music.
Platforms are testing labels and limits for listeners
The proposed chart rules do not amount to a blanket ban on AI music. Bandcamp banned music fully or substantially created by AI. Tidal permits fully AI-generated songs when they are not tied to fraud or artist impersonation, but labels them as AI and does not allow them to collect streaming royalties or direct-to-fan sales revenue.
Spotify said it would label AI artists with an “AI Persona” tag and exclude them from personalized recommendations. Its optional “AI Credits” feature allows artists to disclose AI use in a recording. A coalition including the Grammys and the Recording Industry Association of America also announced steps to notify listeners when AI was used.
- Deezer survey results: 80% supported clear labeling of entirely AI-generated music.
- Deezer survey results: 52% said entirely AI-generated songs should not appear alongside human-made songs on main charts.
- Luminate found that 44% of US respondents were less inclined to listen to a song involving generative AI.
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