SM Entertainment verses Rappie

Photo Credit: Verses

SM Entertainment is partnering with Verses Inc., a South Korean music tech startup, to power a proprietary multimodal artificial intelligence rapmaker called ‘Rappie.’ Verses debuted the beta of Rappie in June with a full release planned for October.

SM’s partnership will Verses Inc. will leverage Rappie to create official tracks in collaboration with renowned composers, as well as deliver an Extended Reality (XR) concert experience. Rappie allows users to create rap content without any prior musical experience. The app generates lyrics, vocal performances, and accompanying videos using generative AI. The app is currently available to download on the App Store and Google Play.

“‘Rappie’ technology will provide a unique experience for fans by allowing them to connect with artists in a new way. Not just listening to, but actively co-creating and interacting with their music,” reads the official announcement for the partnership. “Rappie empowers anyone to create rap content with no musical expertise required.”

SM Entertainment’s collaboration with Verses will feature official song releases created with composers (unnamed for now), aiming to redefine how artists and fans interact. Rappie will serve as the technical backbone for a slate of new initiatives designed to change how music fans interact with artists by adding a creative element for fans to engage. The project aims to integrate fan participation, hybrid digital events, and creative input from respected figures in Asian and global music.

The Rappie beta brings a suite of AI-driven tools that allow users to generate rap lyrics and vocal tracks without needing a background in music creation. Users select from a library of themed virtual stages that fit the tone of their songs. Avatars, which can be customized or modeled after known personalities, handle performance duties with synchronized facial expressions and motions matching the lyrics being performed.

Rappie supports the creation of concise music videos featuring cinematic camera effects for a polished output. Interactive features let creators tap on virtual stage elements like the avatar or other objects to instantly remix both the music and the visuals.

Verses, Inc. was founded in 2019 in South Korea and aims to advance interactive music creation and user-driven experiences. The platform aims to move beyond passive listening, enabling real-time communication and collaboration for artists and fans. The company previously worked with K-pop group aespa to bring that vision to life in the metaverse, allowing participants to engage with their music inside a digital environment.