Jimmy Jam On AI in Music
https://www.theroot.com/exclusive-jimmy-jam-on-using-artificial-intelligence-i-2000108824
Publish Date: 2026-06-02 10:13:00
Source Domain: www.theroot.com
The legendary Grammy Award-winning super producer Jimmy Jam has shared his thoughts on a topic that’s being discussed daily in the music industry and in everyday life: artificial intelligence. In an exclusive discussion with The Root, he expresses his concerns and thoughts about the technology that is going nowhere, as its controversial use has sparked much-needed conversation about its inclusion in musical compositions.
James Samuel Harris III, known worldwide to music enthusiasts as Jimmy Jam, is a musician, music advocate, songwriter, producer, and longtime composer and producing partner with Terry Lewis. They have produced hits for the likes of Janet Jackson, The Human League, Mariah Carey, and Usher, and their list of collaborators includes so many superstars that the duo has more than 40 songs in the Top 10 on the coveted Billboard Hot 100 over the years. The two are working on their next project, a follow-up to their 2021 compilation album, “Jam & Lewis: Volume One.”
As Jimmy prepares to hit New York for his latest “Jams and Conversation” series, following a successful Las Vegas residency, he acknowledges that A.I. can be used, but only in certain circumstances.
He feels that the problem with AI isn’t the technology itself, but that “It needs to be regulated.”
“AI as a technology is a wonderful technology. I think it’s going to help to cure cancer. I think it’s going to be used in all kinds of different medical ways. But when it comes to the creative community, I think there’s two elements. I think it’s the permission and the compensation. I don’t think it’s right to take other people’s images and other people’s voices without their permission.”
He then compares AI to sampling music. The controversy with the practice initially was that people were using music without permission. But, with the proper approach, getting the okay from the artist and/or the record label,…
