In the unpredictable landscape of 2026, one of the most compelling contenders for Song of the Summer is a stylistic departure for Fenix Flexin. The former Shoreline Mafia member recently released “Rubberz,” a collaboration with 808 Mafia producer Purps on the Beat that has sparked intense debate regarding the role of generative AI in modern music. The track, which blends street rap sensibilities with British new wave production, features Fenix adopting an English-inflected accent and a wounded tenor, singing about “swipin’ cards and stackin’ chips.”
“Rubberz” is a uniquely jarring composition, but its rapid viral success has been overshadowed by widespread speculation about its origins. As generative AI technology continues to advance at an alarming pace, listeners and critics alike are increasingly vigilant about established artists potentially using these tools to bypass traditional creative processes. High-profile controversies, such as Kanye West’s alleged use of vocal deepfaking and Timbaland’s partnership with the AI music platform Suno, have set a precedent for this skepticism.
The discourse surrounding the track has been amplified by industry figures like Taylor Gang producer 6AM, who has utilized social media to critique the song and warn against the broader implications of AI in mainstream music. For 6AM, the issue is not just about one song, but about the potential erosion of artistic integrity.
“This opens up the floodgates for fucking anybody with no talent to just put out a song and say, ‘Yeah, this is me right here. This is my art,’” he told POW. “This is Pandora’s box.”
While the debate continues, the consensus among many musicians is that Fenix Flexin utilized some form of generative technology on “Rubberz.” Whether this marks a new era of creative experimentation or the beginning of a decline in human-led artistry remains to be seen, but the conversation surrounding the track has firmly cemented it as a cultural touchstone for the year.