Timbaland is dealing with backlash and potential authorized motion after allegedly utilizing Okay Recent’s beat with out consent to advertise a synthetic intelligence music device developed by Suno, the place the legendary producer serves as an advisor.
In an open letter posted on-line on Friday (June 20), Okay Recent and his legal professional, Ryan Schmidt, accused the Grammy-winning producer of importing certainly one of Okay Recent’s authentic tracks to Suno’s platform, then utilizing it to generate an unauthorized AI remix.
“There was no credit score. No consent. No apology,” the letter acknowledged.
The controversy facilities on a demo Timbaland shared to showcase Suno’s AI capabilities. Somewhat than utilizing his personal in depth catalog, the producer allegedly chosen a beat created by Okay Recent with out asking for permission.
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“With over 30 years of music in his personal catalog, he had each alternative to make use of one thing he truly owns. As a substitute, he used another person’s work with out permission,” the letter mentioned.
The letter additionally claims Timbaland’s actions violated U.S. copyright legislation and Suno’s personal phrases of service, which require customers to personal the content material they add.
“This wasn’t simply unethical; it violated U.S. copyright legislation and breached Suno’s personal Phrases of Use, which require customers to personal any uploaded content material,” the letter continues. “In consequence, Okay Recent’s music is now completely a part of Suno’s coaching mannequin with out his consent.”
Suno has but to reply publicly to the allegations, a silence that Okay Recent’s crew says solely deepens the difficulty.
“Suno’s continued silence is simply as troubling. Your silence sends a message: that respecting the rights of creators is elective.”
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Timbaland has been a vocal supporter of AI in music, launching his personal firm, Stage Zero, and introducing a digital artist named TaTa.
His efforts have drawn criticism from artists and business insiders who argue that AI-generated music threatens the integrity of human creativity.
Okay Recent’s crew is demanding a public apology and 5 particular actions inside 24 hours, together with proof that his music has been faraway from Suno’s coaching knowledge and a dedication to by no means use unlicensed music in future demos.
“That is your probability to do what is correct. Meet these easy phrases and we’ll think about the matter resolved. Refuse, and we’ll take each step needed to make sure accountability.”
Suno and its competitor, Udio, are dealing with large lawsuits from main labels and impartial artists who accuse the businesses of utilizing copyrighted music with out permission to coach their AI fashions.
Sony, Common, and Warner declare the startups copied 1000’s of songs—662 by Suno, 1,670 by Udio—with plaintiffs looking for damages as much as $150,000 per observe.
Impartial artists allege they’ve been exploited and excluded from settlement talks. Whereas negotiations are underway, no instances have been resolved as of June 2025.
