Timbaland Launches AI Music Label Stage Zero, Faces Fan Backlash

Timbaland has launched Stage Zero, an AI-focused music label featuring TaTa, an AI-generated autonomous artist, which he describes as the start of a new genre called A-pop. Despite Timbaland's enthusiasm for the creative possibilities AI offers, the move has sparked significant backlash from fans and some industry figures who argue that music should remain a human expression and criticize the lack of transparency in the announcement. Timbaland defended his decision, emphasizing that AI represents evolution rather than replacement, and dismissed critics by highlighting that autotune is also a form of AI. His longtime collaborator Swizz Beatz publicly supported Timbaland, framing the initiative as a necessary entry point for greater representation of Black artists in AI music, though he acknowledged that better communication was needed. Conversely, producer Young Guru expressed strong concerns about AI's impact on human creativity and the potential displacement of real artists. The controversy highlights a broader debate within the music community about balancing technological innovation with preserving artistic integrity.