Cadence Weapon finds 129 songs used in AI training datasets

Edmonton-based rapper Cadence Weapon, born Rollie Pemberton, reported discovering that 129 of his songs were included in datasets used to train AI music generators without his consent. He described the situation as an “existential struggle for artists” due to the way AI technology relies on scraping existing creative data.

This discovery coincides with a push from the Canadian music industry for new regulations. Organizations such as SOCAN and Music Publishers Canada are preparing submissions to a federal government public consultation on AI transparency. The industry is seeking rules that would require AI companies to compensate songwriters and musicians whose work powers these systems.

The Canadian government is currently seeking a “balanced copyright framework” that aims to protect creators while fostering AI innovation. The public consultation period is scheduled to run until September 23.