In a controversial turn of events, Tupac Shakur's estate has issued a stern warning to Drake, threatening legal action over his use of an AI-generated version of Tupac's voice in a recent diss track aimed at Kendrick Lamar.
The cease-and-desist letter, penned by Howard King, the attorney for Tupac's estate, accuses Drake of flagrantly violating Tupac's publicity rights and abusing the legacy of one of the greatest hip-hop artists of all time. The track in question, "Taylor Made Freestyle," features an AI-generated verse purportedly performed by Tupac.
According to the estate, they would never have granted approval for such usage and have demanded that Drake remove the track within 24 hours. Additionally, they insist on an explanation of how the AI-generated voice was created.
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Failure to comply could result in legal repercussions, as Tupac's lawyers have been authorized to pursue all available legal remedies if an amicable resolution cannot be reached.
In the diss track, the AI-generated Tupac verse includes lines such as, "Kendrick, we need ya, the West Coast savior. Engraving your name in some hip hop history. If you deal with this viciously. You seem a little nervous about all the publicity."
Notably, Drake's track also featured AI-generated vocals from Snoop Dogg, prompting a reaction from the real Snoop on Instagram, expressing disbelief and amusement.
Even Tupac's brother, Mopreme Shakur, voiced his disapproval of Drake's use of Tupac's voice for a rap battle, indicating that it did not sit well with him.
This development underscores the complexities surrounding the posthumous use of artists' voices in the era of AI technology. It raises questions about the boundaries of artistic expression, intellectual property rights, and the ethical considerations of manipulating deceased artists' legacies for commercial gain or personal vendettas.
As the legal battle unfolds, it remains to be seen how Drake will respond to the demands of Tupac's estate and whether this controversy will have broader implications for the intersection of technology and music.
Stay tuned for updates as this story continues to develop.
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