Xania Monet
Artist or Algorithm?
At the beginning of November 2025, “How Was I Supposed to Know?” reached number 30 on the Adult R&B airplay chart.
The singer responsible for the hit single is Xania Monet, an AI-generated persona.
How Was I Supposed to Know?
Mississippi-based poet and songwriter Telisha “Nikki” Jones created Xania Monet using the AI-powered music generator platform Suno. Jones combined AI innovation with human storytelling, ensuring every track reflected her own experiences while using technology to convert her lyrics into fully produced songs. Jones spent months refining her lyrics, experimenting with AI-generated vocals, and crafting Xania Monet’s image.
Monet’s songs began gaining traction on streaming platforms, particularly with fans of R&B and gospel-infused music. Billboard estimates that Monet’s music catalog has generated more than $52,000 in revenue after racking up 17 million streams in the United States. Her success caught the attention of major record labels, leading to a multimillion dollar deal with record label Hallwood Media in September.
AI-generated and AI-assisted music has appeared on Billboard charts across various genres, including gospel, rock, and country. AI entities blend algorithmic composition with human-like vocal synthesis to produce hits that resonate with listeners.
NBC News reported that Universal Music Group, Sony Music Entertainment, and Warner Music Group have filed lawsuits against AI platforms Suno and Udio, alleging that their systems were trained on copyrighted recordings without permission or compensation. Both AI companies argue that their practices fall under “fair use.”
Monet’s catalog includes other soulful tracks, such as “The Price of Peace” and “Let Go, Let God.” Her social media presence mirrors that of a real-life artists with album drops and interviews, blurring the line between digital fiction and pop reality.
Critics argue that AI undermines the human essence of artistry, potentially flooding the market with derivative content. The US Copyright Office is weighing in on how AI-generated works should be addressed, noting that current laws may not fully address ownership—potential guidelines could require disclosure of AI involvement.
For established stars, AI generated music poses both threats and opportunities. Her manager, Romel Murphy, told CNN that Monet’s rise isn’t about replacing human creativity, it’s about expanding what’s possible. “AI doesn’t replace the artist,” Murphy said. “It doesn’t diminish the creativity and doesn’t take away from the human experience.”
Advocates say AI can serve as a collaborator, helping artists test melodies, harmonies, or even remix old recordings. The technology has already been used to recreate music, like the AI-generated Beatles track “Now and Then.”
Follow Xania Monet at www.instagram.com/xania_monet. Find her music on spotify.com and youtube.com.
