What We Can Learn From AI-Created Rapper FN Meka's Failed Capitol Deal

Steve Huff
Steve Huff is an Editor and Reporter at dot.LA. Steve was previously managing editor for The Metaverse Post and before that deputy digital editor for Maxim magazine. He has written for Inside Hook, Observer and New York Mag. Steve is the author of two official tie-ins books for AMC’s hit “Breaking Bad” prequel, “Better Call Saul.” He’s also a classically-trained tenor and has performed with opera companies and orchestras all over the Eastern U.S. He lives in the greater Boston metro area with his wife, educator Dr. Dana Huff.
What We Can Learn From AI-Created Rapper FN Meka's Failed Capitol Deal
Screenshot from Instagram

Almost as soon as it was announced, L.A.-based Capitol Records ended its partnership with FN Meka creator Factory New.

Meka is a virtual rapper that has racked up more than 220,000 Instagram followers and over 10 million followers on its TikTok. His social accounts features music and occasional depictions of police brutality and posts CGI videos highlighting a fictional lifestyle that includes private jets and absurdly tricked-out luxury cars.


Social media backlash accused the character’s creators of spreading negative stereotypes and exploiting the real-life rapper Kyle the Hooligan, whose voice was used as the basis for Meka.

The controversy was embarrassing for Capitol Records and for Factory New, a “virtual influencer” music promotion company that creates and promotes virtual entertainers. Factory New, which also used Meka’s TikTok to shill NFTs, was launched in 2020 by music executive Anthony Martini and Brandon Le.

The catalyst that prompted close scrutiny of FN Meka and its creators was an Instagram post on Meka’s now-private account depicting a police officer beating the green-haired character on a jail cell floor. A screenshot of the image went viral on Twitter. Capitol quickly backed out of the deal.

Industry Blackout—an organization that describes itself as a “unified body of black people in the industry committed to changing the community”—called the rapper a “digital effigy” and “careless abomination.” In a statement posted on Twitter, Industry Blackout added that it found “fault in the lack of awareness in how offensive this caricature is.”

Meka was “a direct insult to the Black community and our culture,” the statement read, in addition to being “an amalgamation of gross stereotypes” and “appropriative mannerisms.”

On Sunday, Kyle the Hooligan, the artist who provided Meka’s voice and helped write music for the character, told TMZ Hip Hop that he was done with Factory New.

The rapper said he’d decided to cut ties because he gave the character a voice and had a role in writing the character’s music after the company promised him equity—but according to Andrew Orcutt, Kyle’s legal rep, his client has not “received any formal offer for compensation.”

Though he helped create Factory New, Anthony Martini—an ex-hardcore singer turned music executive—also stepped away. In a statement published by Stereogum, Martini insisted that Meka’s “vocals have always been written and performed by humans, which in this case, have been black voices–to be clear.” He went on to say “virtual characters have the potential to be a true equalizer and the next frontier in representation in the arts,” and “virtual avatars can and should enable MORE artists to have a platform, not fewer.”

For its part, Capitol Records apologized, telling The Hollywood Reporter that they offered their “deepest apologies to the Black community for our insensitivity in signing this project without asking enough questions about equity and the creative process behind it. We thank those who have reached out to us with constructive feedback in the past couple of days—your input was invaluable as we came to the decision to end our association with the project.”

AI-created characters and music aren’t new, and some have been notably successful. Miquela, AKA @lilmiquela, was created in 2016 by Los Angeles-based startup Brud and quickly embraced by the fashion world. By 2018, Miquela was listed among TIME magazine’s “25 Most Influential People on the Internet.” The character has become an Instagram fashion influencer with over three million followers.

Lil Miquela was a bellwether of things to come in AI and virtual characters. There’s now an entire class of Virtual YouTubers or VTubers—entertainers that exist as computer-generated avatars created by various combinations of motion capture and sometimes artificial intelligence.

But if the saga of FN Meka proves one thing, it’s that virtual characters present a kind of Wild West of new ethical considerations. It’s an exciting and still-new frontier, but with each project, there’s always a chance that the creator’s intentions won’t align with the creation’s impact.

steve@dot.la
⏳Top Productivity Techniques for Entrepreneurs

In the busy world of entrepreneurship, staying productive is crucial for achieving success. With numerous tasks (and social media) competing for your attention, it can be tough to stay organized and focused. Fortunately, several proven productivity hacks can help you manage your time effectively and prioritize your workload. These strategies are backed by research and have been used by successful individuals in various fields. In this listicle, we’ll explore five effective productivity hacks, including the Pomodoro Technique and the Eisenhower Matrix, that can improve your work habits and enhance your entrepreneurial efforts.


The Pomodoro Technique

Developed by Francesco Cirillo in the late 1980s, the Pomodoro Technique uses a kitchen timer to break work into intervals, typically 25 minutes long, followed by short breaks. Cirillo named the method after the tomato-shaped timer he used as a university student, and it has since been adopted by many professionals and students to enhance focus and productivity. To implement it:

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Named after former U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower, this prioritization method helps individuals categorize tasks based on urgency and importance. Eisenhower famously stated, "What is important is seldom urgent and what is urgent is seldom important," which underscores the value of distinguishing between these two aspects to effectively manage time and tasks. This prioritization method helps you focus on what's truly important by categorizing tasks into four quadrants based on urgency and importance:

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Time Blocking

Time blocking is a technique used by many successful entrepreneurs, including Jack Dorsey and Cal Newport, to allocate specific periods for different types of work. By scheduling tasks in advance, individuals can minimize distractions and ensure they dedicate focused time to their most important responsibilities. This creates structure and helps minimize context switching. For example:

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The Two-Minute Rule

Popularized by productivity expert David Allen in his book "Getting Things Done," the Two-Minute Rule states that if a task can be completed in two minutes or less, you should do it immediately. This approach helps prevent small tasks from piling up and cluttering your to-do list, allowing for a more organized workflow.


Batching Similar Tasks

Batching tasks is a technique used by many high-performing individuals, including writer Tim Ferriss, who advocates for grouping similar activities to minimize context switching. By focusing on one type of task at a time, such as responding to emails or making phone calls, you can increase efficiency and reduce mental fatigue.


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      🍵☕️Top 6 Coffee Alternatives for Enhanced Productivity

      In the fast-paced world of startups and venture capital in Los Angeles, maintaining peak productivity is essential for founders and investors alike. As the hustle intensifies, many are seeking alternatives to traditional coffee that not only provide a sustained energy boost but also support overall health and well-being. The following list highlights some of the top-rated coffee alternatives that can enhance focus and productivity while minimizing the adverse effects of caffeine. These options incorporate adaptogens, superfoods, and gut-friendly ingredients, making them ideal choices for those looking to optimize their performance without the afternoon crash.


      Matcha

      Image Source: Jade Leaf Matcha

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