Drake Faces Legal Threat from Tupac’s Estate Over AI Voice Use in “Taylor Made Freestyle”
Drake’s latest controversy involves using an AI-generated voice resembling Tupac Shakur in his song “Taylor Made Freestyle.” This move has led to a stern cease-and-desist letter from Tupac’s estate, as reported by Billboard. The letter accuses Drake of unauthorized use of Tupac’s voice and personality, deeming it a “flagrant violation” of legal and publicity rights and an abuse of Tupac’s legacy.
Estate’s Response and Legal Implications
The estate’s legal representative, Howard King, emphasized the estate’s deep dismay and disappointment, particularly critiquing the song’s use of Tupac’s voice to target rapper Kendrick Lamar—an artist respected by Tupac’s estate for honoring Tupac’s legacy. The letter highlights potential economic and reputational damages and misrepresentations, suggesting that the song gives a false impression of endorsement by Tupac’s estate.
Furthermore, the letter demands Drake disclose details about the creation of the AI voice, including the technology and sources used. The estate is open to informal negotiations if Drake complies within 24 hours but does not rule out legal action, including claims for damages and injunctive relief if he fails to respond. Learn more from Billboard.
Broader Implications and Reactions
Interestingly, “Taylor Made Freestyle” also features an AI-generated voice of Snoop Dogg, although Snoop has not taken legal action. Instead, he expressed his surprise and confusion about the situation on social media, humorously noting the sudden influx of calls he received about the issue.
The song, still available on Drake’s Instagram but not on streaming platforms, uses advanced AI technology to simulate a call-out to Kendrick Lamar, linking to Drake’s “Push Ups” diss track recently released on streaming platforms.
This situation underscores the complex legal and ethical implications of using AI to recreate the voices of iconic artists, sparking debates about copyright, personality rights, and the preservation of artists’ legacies. Listen to the song below:
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