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Fugees star Wyclef Jean appreciates the advances of AI and how it’s shaping music — he’s even a consultant for Google’s (GOOG, GOOGL) DeepMind.
But despite the growing use of AI in song development, the musician and producer said the tech still lacks a key component that won’t be easily replicated.
“One thing that the AI can’t duplicate is the soul,” Jean said on Yahoo Finance’s Power Players podcast (video above; listen in below).
Jean said he is about to release an astonishing seven new albums — including a country album — that he’s been working on for the past six years. He has combined his passion for music and new technology to accelerate the development timeline.
“You control your own destiny because technology is different now. The technology has democratized everything,” Jean added.
Invest in Gold
Wyclef Jean isn’t just a music story — he offers up a clinic in relentless brand diversification, cultural equity, and pure hustle.
He busted the doors down in the mid-1990s with the Fugees, co-authoring “The Score.” The juggernaut album shipped more than 22 million units globally and fundamentally reindexed the valuation of hip-hop on the global stage.
But where a lot of artists would have just ridden that single wave, Jean pivoted like a seasoned CEO. He launched a multidecade solo career that included solo platinum tracks like “Gone Till November.” He served as the ultimate cross-border talent broker — writing, producing, and optimizing massive global hits for everyone from Santana to Shakira.
He has no plans to slow down. In fact, he’s still touring.
“I’m making more money now on touring than I was back then,” Jean said. “I’m like Elton John — if you need me to show up for a birthday, it’s going to cost you, baby. Right? While the technology is advancing, we are becoming more valuable. Think of us like fine wine. The more the year gets on, the more wealthier we get.”
Brian Sozzi is Yahoo Finance’s Executive Editor and a member of Yahoo Finance’s editorial leadership team. Follow Sozzi on X @BrianSozzi, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Tips on stories? Email brian.sozzi@yahoofinance.com.
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