Canadian rapper Drake has found himself at the center of a legal problem after using an AI-generated imitation of Tupac Shakur’s voice in his latest track, “Taylor Made Freestyle.” The move has prompted a cease-and-desist letter from Tupac’s estate, demanding the removal of the song from all public platforms.
The dispute emerged following Drake’s “Taylor Made Freestyle” release on Instagram last Friday. The song not only featured Drake’s verses but also included what appeared to be a simulated voice of Tupac, a revered figure in the hip-hop community. The estate of Tupac Shakur swiftly responded with a strongly-worded letter expressing dismay and disappointment over the unauthorized use of Tupac’s voice and personality.
In the cease-and-desist letter obtained by USA TODAY, the estate’s attorney emphasized that the use of Tupac’s voice without permission constitutes a violation of Tupac’s publicity and legal rights. The estate demanded immediate removal of the track from all platforms where it was available, warning of potential legal action if Drake failed to comply.
The timing of Drake’s track release is noteworthy, as it follows a recent escalation in tensions between Drake and fellow rapper Kendrick Lamar. Lamar’s verses on Future and Metro Boomin’s collaborative album, “We Don’t Trust You,” were widely interpreted as aimed at Drake and J. Cole, prompting Drake’s response through “Taylor Made Freestyle” and an earlier diss track named “Push Ups.”
The estate’s attorney, Howard King, highlighted the insult added by using Tupac’s voice against Lamar, who is considered a friend of the estate and has shown respect to Tupac’s legacy. The letter also underscored the potential legal consequences for Drake, including actions for copyright infringement and violation of publicity and personality rights.
While Drake’s representatives have yet to respond to requests for comment, the incident sheds light on the ethical and legal complexities surrounding the use of artificial intelligence in music production. The rise of AI technology has enabled the replication of artists’ voices and styles, raising questions about ownership and authorization.
This dispute serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting artists’ legacies and legal rights in an era where AI-generated content blurs the lines between creativity and infringement. As the music industry grapples with the implications of AI technology, cases like this highlight the need for clear guidelines and ethical standards to protect the integrity of artistic expression.
In summary, Drake’s use of AI-generated Tupac voice has sparked a legal battle, underscoring the challenges and controversies surrounding the intersection of technology and music.
