Latest news with #Logic
Yahoo
24-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
DebitMyData Closes Oversubscribed Seed Round- Launches $1B Human Energy Grid Global Expansion
Seed raise exceeding 200% of target positions the DebitMyData Digital Identity LLM (DID-LLM) for Global Partnerships and LicensingDebitMyData™ Logo FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., July 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- DebitMyData™, Inc.—the powerhouse has closed a seed round at more than twice its original target. This surge of investor confidence paves the way for a bold, billion-dollar global rollout of DebitMyData™'s Human Energy Grid, setting a new standard for individual data ownership, ethical monetization, and human-centric AI innovation. Preparing to launch a U.S and global expansion round, DebitMyData™ is already attracting top-tier venture capitalists—some of whom previously backed OpenAI alumni Ilya Sutskever and Mira Murati. Their attention is now focused on founder Preska Thomas and her breakthrough vision for a decentralized, human-led future in Adtech, AI, cybersecurity, and digital sovereignty. 'We're advancing AI frameworks including Fuzzy Logic, ML, NLP, and robotic networks—but the Human Energy Grid ensures we embed ethics, skills, and human vision at the algorithmic core,' said Preska Thomas, Founder & CEO. Agentic Logos, Nodes, and Verified Digital IdentityIntegral to DebitMyData™ 's technology are Agentic Logos—cryptographically validated identity tools that combat fraud, impersonation, and deepfakes. Core LLM Features: Verified Ownership: Every identity is cryptographically bound to an authentic user or brand. Real-Time Security: Proprietary consensus mechanisms eliminate spoofing and fakes. Plug-and-Play APIs: Enterprises and large language models (LLMs) can easily verify and interface with Agentic Nodes. By embedding identity-driven trust into content and advertising, DebitMyData™ transforms audience engagement. Brands and individuals alike benefit from frictionless, permission-based experiences that foster credibility and prevent misuse. The Human Energy Grid: An Ethics-Powered Digital EcosystemDebitMyData™'s signature innovation—the Human Energy Grid—places people at the center of the digital economy. Key Components: Digital Ownership: Users control and protect their digital footprints via DID-LLM (Digital Identity LLM). Agentic Avatars: AI agents trained and owned by users, supporting monetization through sponsorships, licensing, and personal branding. Ethical AI Training: Decentralized Agentic Avatars contribute to safe, human-aligned AI development. NFT-Backed Security: Blockchain-protected digital creations ensure transparent royalties and rights. Quantum-Resistant Privacy: Federated learning and next-generation encryption secure all interactions. This ecosystem empowers individuals to earn from their data and digital identity, marking a shift from extractive models toward equitable participation in the digital economy. Global Expansion and Ecosystem IntegrationBuilding on its momentum, DebitMyData™ is launching a global initiative to: Open subsidiaries in the EU, Asia, and the Middle East Advance Agentic Avatar technology for LLMs, APIs, and user-controlled AI Partner with NFT platforms and creator-centric brands like AnimeGamer, MemeShorts ("The TikTok of America"), and Monetize YourSelfie The roadmap includes further integration across decentralized marketplaces for data, content, and avatar-based economies. Institutional & Government AlignmentDebitMyData™ is engaged in advanced discussions with regulatory bodies, family offices, and public sector partners worldwide, reinforcing its commitment to compliance, transparency, and leadership in large-scale data by DebitMyData™ About DebitMyData™, Inc. enables users to reclaim, verify, and monetize their digital identities through Agentic Logos and Agentic Avatars. Its scalable platform ensures GDPR compliance and AI alignment via the Human Energy Grid and DID-LLM, meeting evolving demands in ethical AI, cybersecurity, and digital equity. 'This is our moment—not just to advance AI but to protect what makes us human. The Human Energy Grid ensures humanity stays present, empowered, and valued in the algorithms that shape the future,' said Preska Thomas, Founder & CEO. For more information, visit: Media Contact:Henry Cision(754) 315-2420communications@ Photos accompanying this announcement are available at: A video accompanying this announcement is available at: in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
CNBC
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- CNBC
AI-generated music is going viral. Should the music industry be worried?
With more than 1 million monthly listeners on Spotify, psychedelic rock band The Velvet Sundown is raking in thousands of dollars and has the music industry asking itself tough questions 一 and they're not about whether the '70s are coming back. The "band" was recently confirmed to primarily be the work of generative artificial intelligence 一 something that had been heavily suspected in light of a suspiciously smooth and glossy image of its "band members" and derivative song titles like "Dust on the Wind." The Velvet Sundown's bio on Spotify now clarifies that it is a "synthetic music project guided by human creative direction, and composed, voiced, and visualized with the support of artificial intelligence." It adds, "This isn't a trick - it's a mirror. An ongoing artistic provocation designed to challenge the boundaries of authorship, identity, and the future of music itself in the age of AI." However, in CNBC's conversations with various music professionals, descriptors like "soulless," "stifling," and "creepy" surfaced, as the industry grapples with the encroachment of AI. While AI tools have long been integrated into music software like Logic, newer AI-powered platforms such as Suno and Udio have made it easier than ever to generate entire songs based on nothing more than a few prompts and inputs. As a result, "The Velvet Sundown" is far from the only AI-generated artist emerging online. There's evidence that other upstarts like "dark country" musician Aventhis — with more than 600,000 monthly listeners on Spotify — are also a product of AI-generated voices and instruments. Meanwhile, France-headquartered music-streaming service Deezer, which deployed an AI detection tool for music in January, revealed in April that about 18% of all tracks now being uploaded to its platform are fully generated by AI. The quality and originality of AI music have often been criticized, but experts say that as generative AI becomes more sophisticated, it's becoming harder and harder for the average listener to distinguish between human and machine. "[The Velvet Sundown]" is much better music than most of what we've heard from AI in the past," Jason Palamara, an assistant professor of music technology at the Herron School of Art and Design, told CNBC. "Early versions could be used to make catchy, repetitive hooks ... But we've gotten to the point where AI is putting out songs that actually make sense structurally, with verses, choruses and bridges," Palamara said. He said The Velvet Sundown is likely just the "tip of the iceberg" of what's coming. Suno and Udio — the current "gold standard" of genAI platforms — come with few to no barriers to entry, allowing anyone to create hundreds of AI tracks in one sitting. Both AI platforms offer free access, as well as premium subscriptions priced at about $30 or less a month. But while creating an AI song can be done for free, that doesn't mean it can't generate revenue. The Velvet Sundown has made about $34,235 over a 30-day period across all audio streaming platforms, according to estimations from ChartMasters' streaming royalties calculator. Because of that, it's easy to see why AI creators might want to flood streaming platforms with as much generated music as possible, hoping to go viral. The growing prevalence of AI music has caused a stir across the music industry, according to Keith Mullin, head of management and music industry course leader at the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts. "It's the hot topic of the moment, especially in relation to copyright and digital service providers like Spotify," said Mullin, who is also the guitarist for Liverpool rock band The Farm. Major record labels such as Sony Music, Universal Music Group, and Warner Records have launched lawsuits against Suno and Udio, accusing them of mass copyright infringement. Meanwhile, thousands of musicians and creatives have called for a prohibition on using human art to train artificial intelligence without permission. Nevertheless, Mullin said generative AI on music is here to stay. "I don't think we can turn the clock back," he said, noting that music and its business models are ever changing. Indeed, the music business is no stranger to big technology shifts — events like the introduction of Napster in 1999 and the proliferation of music-streaming platforms in the 2000s shook up the industry, forcing major adaptations. Still, the notion of competing with AI bands is causing anxiety for budding musicians like Tilly Louise, a U.K.-based alternative pop artist who said it's already hard enough for small performers to gain traction and generate income from online music. Despite accumulating millions of streams on Spotify, Louise, 25, said she's never made nearly enough money from streaming platforms to live on, and currently works a full-time job. "For a band that doesn't even really exist to then get all that social media traction, it's so discouraging," she added. To prepare young artists for the changing music environment, music professors said, they've increasingly been working AI into their lesson plans, aiming to teach students how to use the technology to enhance their creative process and music production, rather than replace it. Some established producers have also leaned into the trend. Last month, Grammy-winning artist and producer Timbaland launched an AI-focused entertainment venture, called Stage Zero, which will feature an AI-generated pop star. "Other producers are going to start doing this ... and it will create a completely different model of the music industry that we can't predict yet," Palamara said. He added, however, that he does think the trend will make earning money as an artist online even harder. The trend is also expected to continue to receive backlash not only for its impact on artists, but also for what it could mean for music consumers. "[M]usic fans should be worried because the proliferation of AI music and content clogs our social media feeds and algorithms, making it difficult for us to connect with one another," Anthony Fantano, a prominent music critic and internet personality on YouTube, told CNBC in a statement. "AI art offers nothing that humans themselves can't already do better," he said, adding that it's a way for "greedy capitalists" to cut out actual artists. Aside from calling for better copyright protections for artists when it comes to the training of AI, music groups are asking that AI-generated music be labeled as such. Spotify did not respond to an inquiry from CNBC regarding its generative AI detection and labeling policies. In a statement to CNBC, Tino Gagliardi, president of the American Federation Of Musicians of the United States and Canada, urged creators, those in the tech industry, lawmakers, and music fans to stand together in support of human creativity and authorship. "Consent, credit, and compensation are prerequisites in AI development. And transparency, including in streaming and other marketplaces, is the foundation for safeguarding musicians' livelihoods. Anything short of that is theft."
Perth Now
08-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
Rap star Logic was determined to become a film direclt
Logic is determined to have a career in filmmaking. The 35-year-old rapper - whose real name is Sir Robert Bryson Hall II - has been known for his contribution to the music industry but recently helmed the comedy-drama Paradise Records and claimed that "nothing will stop" him from exploring his new career. He told Collider: "Nothing will stop me from making films. I'm going to make movies, and I'm going to do it my way. I will have full creative control and final cut, or you can eat my ass. This is my mentality because we, as creatives and artists, are told, 'No and no, and this is why, XYZ.' F*** that s***. Because if you don't want to give me the money, I'll just go do it myself and then I will sell it or make money from it. That's not arrogance. That's, 'F*** you for telling me no so long that I thought I couldn't do it,' and then woke up one day after Kevin Smith spit in my face and was like, 'Do this!'" The Under Pressure hitmaker added that he has before "kind of lost" within himself in the last few years, and he was "terrified" to jump ship so he could be behind the camera. He said: "For the last five years, or at least for three of those years, I was kind of lost, trying to figure out what I wanted to do. It always kept coming back to film, like, 'Make film, make film' because I was so terrified to do it. So being able to talk to you gives me this feeling that I had when I was younger — not like I'm trying to chase like a crack pipe or anything, but it's a fun feeling is what I'm saying."
USA Today
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Logic explains how therapy and J.J. Abrams led to his directorial debut 'Paradise Records'
Logic explains how therapy and J.J. Abrams led to his directorial debut 'Paradise Records' Show Caption Hide Caption Logic makes directorial debut with 'Paradise Records' The Rapper Logic sat down with Ralphie Aversa to talk about his directorial debut in new semi-autobiographical film, 'Paradise Records.' NEW YORK – What do J.J. Abrams, Seth MacFarlane and Kevin Smith have in common? They all endorsed Logic, the multi-platinum hip hop star, in his application to join the Directors Guild of America. Now the artist, born Sir Robert Bryson Hall II, makes his directorial debut in the Tribeca Film Festival with "Paradise Records," a workplace comedy that pays homage to movies like Smith's 1994 cult classic "Clerks." It was a big undertaking for Logic: He wrote, directed and starred in the movie. But besides the literal co-signings from established names in film and television, Logic's journey from the stage to the silver screen wouldn't have been possible without a series of events that took place almost five years ago. In July 2020, at the height of his career and in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, the hip hop star decided to "retire" from music. Logic wanted to focus on his family. He also went to therapy. "It's been such an incredible internal and spiritual journey," Logic, 35, tells USA TODAY. "I've learned things like the power of no, literally just how to say 'no.' I used to not do that because I wanted to people-please." Through conversations with his therapist, Logic also came to the realization that he should stay off social media. The artist says he hasn't been on any network in "almost eight years." What started as a personal journey also turned into a professional revelation. Logic parted ways with Def Jam Records, the label on which he recorded seven albums with including the Grammy-nominated single, "1-800-273-8255." The artist now releases music independently and no, he wouldn't divulge a date for his tenth LP "Sidequest." After Smith cast Logic in his 2024 semi-autobiographical film "The 4:30 Movie," he urged Logic to pursue filmmaking. Smith also presented an offer: he would serve as executive producer, editor and reprise his role of Silent Bob alongside Jason Mewes' Jay. Logic stars in the film with his real life best friend, Tremayne Hudson. Other actors who make cameos include Ron Perlman, Rainn Wilson and Joseph Gordon-Levitt in addition to rapper Juicy J and comedian Donnell Rawlings. Logic's family, including his father, oldest son and wife Brittney also appear in the project. The artist credits his wife with supporting his latest endeavor. The advice he received from Abrams helped too. The "Star Wars" director reminded Logic that he's "literally making a movie," so the top priority should be to have fun. "(Abrams) said, 'The second thing is you're gonna have every (department) coming to you, all these people constantly asking you for stuff,'" Logic recalls. "'At times it's going to feel overwhelming. Never forget that you're a human being and you have the power to say, "Give me five minutes," walk around your set and figure it out.'" That's what Logic did whenever there was an issue, from an actor getting COVID to an equipment malfunction. He took a break, walked and figured it out. Turns out Abrams was right after all.
Geek Tyrant
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Geek Tyrant
Review: Logic's PARADISE RECORDS Is a Ridiculously Fun Ride That Will Bring You Back to Your Favorite '90s Hangout Movies — GeekTyrant
The movie Paradise Records is making its debut at the Tribeca Film Festival today, and I was able to watch it ahead of its release. The film was written, directed, and produced by hip-hop artist Logic, who also starred in the film, making his big screen debut in each of those capacities. In the movie, Logic plays Cooper, a record store owner who, along with his cousin and friends, is trying to keep the store alive despite unpaid bills piling up. While this seems like a simple story that we've seen before, quirky characters, star cameos, and a hostage situation with bloody mayhem makes the story unique in the best ways. It's reminiscent of the '90s movies we all loved, which take place in malls, record stores, comic book shops, diners, video stores, and other small town businesses we grew up hanging out at. The best part of the film is the banter between the friends and the jokes they lob at one another throughout every scene. We even get to see outtakes at the end of the movie that include some great one-liners that didn't make the cut. The film reminds me of a Jay and Silent Bob flick, which is funny because the pair do make an appearance, along with tons of other stars like Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Ron Perlman, Kevin Corrigan, Diedrich Bader, Martin Starr, Bobby Lee, and many more. Paradise Records is just a good time full of lighthearted, R-rated fun, and I had a blast watching it. Stay tuned for the film's theatrical release date.
