TLDR:
- Tupac Shakur’s estate threatens to sue Drake over AI vocals in diss track.
- The estate issued a cease-and-desist letter to Drake for using an AI-generated version of Tupac’s voice without approval.
Tupac Shakur’s estate has threatened to take legal action against Drake for using an AI-generated version of the late rapper’s voice in a diss track aimed at Kendrick Lamar. The estate’s attorney, Howard King, issued a cease-and-desist letter to Drake, calling the use of Tupac’s voice a violation of his publicity and legal rights, as well as an abuse of his legacy.
The letter demands that Drake take down the track, “Taylor Made Freestyle,” within 24 hours and provide an explanation of how it was created. If Drake fails to comply, Tupac’s estate is prepared to pursue legal action. The diss track also features AI-generated vocals from Snoop Dogg, which has raised concerns from both fans and family members of the late rapper.
Drake’s use of AI to replicate the voices of iconic rappers like Tupac and Snoop Dogg has sparked controversy within the hip-hop community. Tupac’s brother, Mopreme Shakur, expressed disapproval of Drake weaponizing Tupac’s voice for a rap battle, indicating that it was disrespectful to his brother’s legacy.