Drake finds himself in hot water as 2Pac’s estate issues a stern warning regarding his latest diss track aimed at Kendrick Lamar. The track, titled “Taylor Made Freestyle,” features an AI-generated rendition of the late rap icon’s voice, raising legal concerns from the estate.
In a cease-and-desist letter obtained by Billboard, litigator Howard King represents 2Pac’s estate, demanding Drake to remove the song within 24 hours or face legal action. The estate expresses deep dismay over the unauthorized use of Tupac’s likeness, labeling it a blatant violation of the rapper’s rights and legacy.
“The Estate is deeply dismayed and disappointed by your unauthorized use of Tupac’s voice and personality. Not only is the record a flagrant violation of Tupac’s publicity and the estate’s legal rights, it is also a blatant abuse of the legacy of one of the greatest hip-hop artists of all time. The Estate would never have given its approval for this use.”
Furthermore, the letter highlights the disrespect shown towards Kendrick Lamar, a close friend of the estate, by employing Tupac’s voice in a confrontational manner. The estate emphasizes that such actions compound the insult and demand immediate rectification.
“The unauthorized, equally dismaying use of Tupac’s voice against Kendrick Lamar, a good friend to the Estate who has given nothing but respect to Tupac and his legacy publicly and privately, compounds the insult.”
The letter points out the substantial reach and impact of the song, garnering millions of streams and widespread media coverage. It warns Drake of potential legal repercussions, including copyright infringement and damages, should he fail to comply with the demands.
Notably, Pac’s brother, Mopreme Shakur, has also criticized Drake for using AI-generated vocals, deeming it inappropriate and disrespectful. He suggests that Drake should have engaged in a direct confrontation with Kendrick instead of resorting to what he perceives as a “nuclear option.”
The controversy stems from Drake’s decision to incorporate AI-generated voices of Tupac and Snoop Dogg in the diss track, offering alternate perspectives on the ongoing feud. While Drake’s use of AI technology adds a unique twist to the narrative, it has sparked outrage and legal threats from 2Pac’s estate.
As the legal battle ensues, the rap community awaits Drake’s response to the cease-and-desist letter and the potential implications for his future music releases. The incident underscores the complexities of intellectual property rights and the ethical considerations surrounding the use of AI technology in music production.