By: Qwofi Emma
In a clash between modern technology and hip-hop legacy, Drake finds himself at the center of controversy as Tupac Shakur’s estate issues a cease-and-desist order over an AI-generated track featuring the late rapper’s voice.
The track in question, titled “Taylor Made Freestyle,” surfaced on Drake’s Instagram page last Friday, purportedly aimed as a diss towards Kendrick Lamar. However, what caught attention was the use of AI software to mimic the voices of both Tupac Shakur and Snoop Dogg.
Howard King, an attorney representing Tupac’s estate, revealed to Sky News’ US partner NBC News that a cease-and-desist letter was dispatched to Drake, demanding the removal of the contentious track from all public platforms.
The letter, dated Wednesday, stipulates a deadline for Drake to comply by midday Thursday, failing which the estate vows to explore legal recourse against the Canadian rapper. King emphasized the track’s infringement upon Tupac’s publicity rights and condemned it as an exploitation of the late artist’s esteemed legacy.
Moreover, the estate expressed dismay at the track’s subject matter, particularly the purported targeting of Kendrick Lamar, who is described as a “good friend” to Tupac’s legacy.
In the song, the AI-generated Tupac voice calls upon Lamar to respond to Drake’s previous diss track, stirring further controversy within the hip-hop community.
The estate’s legal missive also asserted that the track’s dissemination creates a false impression of endorsement from Tupac’s estate, a claim that could potentially tarnish the late rapper’s reputation.
In addition to demanding the removal of the track, Shakur’s estate seeks financial compensation, including all profits derived from the song. The letter alleges substantial economic and reputational harm caused by Drake’s unauthorized use of Tupac’s likeness.
Notably, the AI-generated voice of Snoop Dogg was also incorporated into the track, prompting a bewildered response from the rap icon himself. Snoop Dogg took to his Instagram story to express confusion over the situation, highlighting the unexpected implications of AI technology in the music industry.
This incident reignites the debate surrounding the ethical and legal implications of utilizing AI in music production, a discourse initiated by previous controversies such as Drake’s own voice cloning alongside The Weeknd by an artist known as Ghostwriter.
As the deadline for Drake’s response looms, representatives of the Canadian rapper have yet to issue a statement regarding the unfolding legal saga.
The fate of “Taylor Made Freestyle” hangs in the balance, serving as a pivotal moment in the intersection of technology, intellectual property rights, and the preservation of musical legacies.
