The track “Rubberz” by Fenix Flexin has become a flashpoint in the debate over artificial intelligence in music after an independent music producer, Medasin, linked the song to a generative AI platform. While Fenix Flexin and producer Purps on the Beat have denied using AI, the creators of the app Treblo—formerly known as Sonauto—have implemented a detection tool that now flags the song as likely AI-generated.
The Evidence Linking “Rubberz” to Generative AI
Music producer Medasin challenged the authenticity of “Rubberz” by tracing its production history to the app Treblo. According to Medasin’s analysis, the application rebranded from Sonauto just two days before the song’s June release. He corroborated this by pointing to an Instagram Story previously posted by Fenix Flexin, which displayed a file name with the suffix “Sonauto.mp3.”
Beyond the metadata, Medasin demonstrated that the Treblo tool could replicate the song’s aesthetic. By inputting prompts such as “80s synthwave” and “rapper lifestyle,” he generated tracks that shared significant lyrical and sonic similarities with the Fenix Flexin release. This technical breakdown provides a counter-narrative to the artist’s claims regarding his creative process.
Artist Denials and Vocal Discrepancies
Fenix Flexin has consistently maintained that “Rubberz” is an organic product of his own studio work. In an interview with Channel 5, he stated that he “freestyled” the lyrics. When questioned by fans in the comments of an On the Radar performance, he attributed the song’s unique sound to “auto-tune reverb” and the adoption of a “fake uk accent.”
Listeners remained skeptical due to the departure from Fenix Flexin’s established vocal profile. As a former member of Shoreline Mafia, the rapper is known for a nasally, congested vocal tone rooted in his East Hollywood upbringing. The voice heard on “Rubberz” is notably brighter and crisper, leading to widespread speculation about the use of AI voice-cloning technology before the Treblo detector confirmed the song’s status.
Did you know?
The song “Rubberz” peaked at No. 58 on the Billboard Hot 100, demonstrating that AI-suspected tracks can achieve significant commercial success despite questions surrounding their origin.
Broader Industry Implications for AI Music
The controversy extends to other artists, with reports suggesting that rapper Tyga may have utilized the same generative AI tools to produce 80s-themed music. The integration of detection software directly into the platforms used to create the music suggests a shift toward more transparent, albeit reactive, industry standards.
As these tools become more accessible, the distinction between human-composed rap and AI-assisted synth-pop continues to blur. While Fenix Flexin’s song was not flagged by standard detectors earlier in the summer, the updated capabilities of the Treblo software have provided a new mechanism for verifying production methods, potentially setting a precedent for how labels and creators address AI allegations moving forward.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was “Rubberz” officially confirmed as AI-generated?
The creators of the app Treblo have updated their detection software to flag the song as likely AI-generated, though Fenix Flexin and his producer continue to deny the use of AI in its creation.
What role did the app Treblo play in the controversy?
Treblo, formerly known as Sonauto, is the generative AI platform that Medasin identified as the potential source of the track. The app’s own internal detection tool now identifies the song as AI-produced.
How did fans first become suspicious of the track?
Fans noted a significant difference between Fenix Flexin’s signature nasally, congested vocal style and the bright, crisp, and accented vocals featured on “Rubberz.”
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