AI-generated performer Xania Monet sparked fresh debate in the music industry on Friday with the release of her new single, Say My Name With Respect. The track directly pushes back against critics questioning the legitimacy of AI artists—while appearing to address previous remarks from R&B star Kehlani. Monet, operated and written by Telisha “Nikki” Jones, has quickly become one of the most talked-about AI music projects of 2025. With the new single, she argues that songs created through AI-assistance still hold emotional value for listeners and deserve industry validation.
A pointed rebuttal to skepticism
The single arrives after months of public controversy surrounding AI-powered music and increasingly vocal concerns about its impact on human creators. Without naming Kehlani directly, Monet references “media first” criticism and suggests that detractors underestimate the labor involved in developing AI-assisted songs.
“Funny how you went to the media first / Talking about my pen like you know my work,” she sings in lyrics that seemingly address the Folded singer’s comments from September. Kehlani previously expressed frustration about AI musicians signing lucrative record deals, saying she didn’t respect the use of artificial intelligence in art creation.
Monet pushes back, insisting the artistry still matters to listeners.
“You keep saying I’m not a real artist, right / But somehow my songs still change somebody’s night,” she continues.
A new chapter for AI in R&B
Monet made industry history in November when her single How Was I Supposed to Know? debuted at No. 30 on the Adult R&B Airplay chart, becoming the first AI artist to earn placement on a Billboard radio ranking. The milestone fueled debate over whether AI musicians should be categorized alongside human artists. Industry observers are now watching closely to see whether human performers respond lyrically, creating the first mainstream back-and-forth between AI and non-AI artists. Billboard has contacted Kehlani’s representatives for comment but has not yet received a response.
The wider conversation
The arrival of Say My Name With Respect reignites ongoing questions around authorship, emotional authenticity and equity in the music business. Supporters argue AI-assisted songs democratize production and enable new forms of storytelling. Critics counter that AI models absorb creative influence without human struggle, undermining originality and hard-won artistic labor. Jones has positioned Monet as proof that AI can coexist with human creativity. She maintains that the writing process and emotional intent remain rooted in lived experience, even if production tools have evolved.
Whether audiences agree may become clearer as the track circulates. For now, Monet is leaning into controversy rather than retreating from it. As the industry continues wrestling with copyright frameworks, ethical standards and attribution norms, Monet’s latest single underscores how quickly artificial intelligence is blurring definitions in music. What was once theoretical now exists a chart position away from mainstream legitimacy.
