At Cannes, Will.I.Am, a prominent international artist and ardent supporter of technology, expressed support for integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into the music business. However, he also acknowledged the controversy surrounding Timbaland’s recent initiatives.

“Timbaland is incredible,” the founding member of Black Eyed Peas, 50, shared in an exclusive interview. “He’s a talented producer and passionate about AI just like I am. But he might not have considered all the implications.”

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Will.I.Am highlighted that, in his view, Timbaland’s main misstep wasn’t creating an AI artist—something some see as a threat to human artists’ careers—but rather a lack of transparency regarding his business activities.

“He asked people to send him music last year to sign human artists. The next year, he launched AI. That raises questions like, ‘Was this music used to train AI?’” he explained.

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He also recalled that Timbaland’s earlier work recognized AI’s potential, citing their 2009 song, “Imma Be Rocking That Body,” where they foresaw AI singing by typing lyrics into a machine.

“We even announced that we had an AI member when planning our Vegas residency. But for Will.I.Am, strict regulation is necessary because some AI companies tend to prioritize profits over ethical considerations,” he emphasized.

Will.I.Am also discussed his own tech projects, including FYI.AI—a Web 3.0 platform for creativity and productivity. He demonstrated how it can assist with questions on global politics or personal relationships.

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Will.I.Am emphasized that AI can add value to music, noting their early recognition of this in 2009. He also shared that he and the Black Eyed Peas incorporated AI into their acts, stating, “We predicted AI singing lyrics by typing into a machine.”

He stressed the importance of regulation, warning that some AI companies’ pursuit of profit could lead to ethical issues. Additionally, Will.I.Am launched multiple AI tools, such as FYI.RAiDiO, which recently partnered with Mercedes Benz and aims to revolutionize education by integrating AI into Arizona State University’s curriculum.

“I believe education is transforming forever,” he explained. “Continuous learning will become essential, and society must embrace it.”