Capitol Records cut ties with FN Meka, a computerized AI rapper, amid fierce backlash from real rappers, including The Game.
“CMG has severed ties with the FN Meka project, effective immediately,” Capitol Music Group said in a statement to Entertainment Weekly on Tuesday.
Capitol Records continued: “We offer our deepest apologies to the Black community for our insensitivity in signing this project.”
The record label made headlines this month after signing FN Meka to a lucrative record deal. The backlash began almost immediately, as many were offended by the robot’s misappropriation of Black cultural stereotypes and frequent use of the n-word in its raps.
FN Meka described itself as a “Robot rapper not accepted by this world.” The AI rapper showed off digital Louis Vuitton, Rolls Royce cars, and gold chains in its social media posts.
FN Meka is the brainchild of co-creator Anthony Martini, of music label Factory New, which used computer generated graphics to mimic culture vulture Tekashi 6ix9ine for the FN Meka character.
The deal was announced alongside the release of Meka’s new song “Florida Water” featuring rapper Gunna.
FN Meka grew a substantial following on social media, including 10 million followers on TikTok.
Other record labels took note of the buzz generated by Capitol Records signing a virtual (non-human) rapper to its roster.
Rappers such as The Game slammed the signing as racist, and others warned that record labels would soon replace problematic rappers with virtual artists that can be easily controlled.
Have you lost your FN minds? @capitolrecords @capitolmusic pic.twitter.com/TxbqDhJmv0
— Industry Blackout #IndustryBlackout (@industryblkout) August 23, 2022
