Drake instructed to remove diss track containing AI-generated voice of Tupac Shakur | Entertainment & Arts Update

Tupac Shakur’s estate has warned Drake of potential legal action and instructed him to remove a track that features an AI-generated version of the late rapper’s voice.

Drake released the song Taylor Made Freestyle – a diss track targeted at Kendrick Lamar – on his Instagram page, showcasing verses created by AI software imitating both Shakur and Snoop Dogg.

In a cease-and-desist letter reviewed by Sky News’ US partner NBC News, Howard King, the attorney representing Shakur’s estate, demanded that Drake eliminate the track from all public platforms where it is accessible.

The letter, sent on Wednesday, stipulates that the Canadian rapper has until midday on Thursday to confirm the removal, or else the estate will take legal action against him.

“Not only does the song violate Tupac’s publicity and the estate’s legal rights, but it also disrespects the legacy of one of the greatest hip-hop artists of all time,” wrote Mr. King.

“The estate would never have authorized this use.”

The letter expresses the estate’s “discontent” regarding the track’s content, stating that Lamar is “a good friend to the estate who has always shown respect to Tupac and his legacy, both publicly and privately,” and that this “further worsens the offense.”

Within the track, the AI-generated voice of Shakur prompts Lamar to address Drake’s previous diss track directed towards him, with lines such as: “Kendrick, we need ya, the West Coast saviour / You appear uneasy about the attention / You asked for the challenge, now it seems you’re too preoccupied to engage.”

The letter alleges that the track and its popularity have created a false impression that the estate and Tupac endorse or support the lyrics and likeness of the AI-generated voice.

Shakur’s estate is requesting damages, including all profits from the song, which has currently only been posted on Drake’s Instagram, as well as additional compensation for the significant economic and reputational damage caused.

Read more:
Musicians respond to AI-generated songs flooding the internet
J Cole: I feel ‘terrible’ about Kendrick Lamar diss track

The letter argues that Drake’s unauthorized use of Shakur’s likeness violates Shakur’s right to publicity, an intellectual property right protecting against the unauthorized use of someone’s name or image.

Sky News has reached out to Drake’s representatives for comment.

The AI-generated voice of rapper Snoop Dogg was also utilized in the track.

Following the release of the diss track, Snoop Dogg posted a video on his Instagram story expressing confusion, stating, “They did what? When? How… What’s going on… I’m going back to bed.”

The incorporation of AI in the music industry has sparked intense debate, as demonstrated since last year, when Drake’s voice was cloned along with The Weeknd’s by the artist Ghostwriter.

The track was swiftly removed from all platforms shortly after its release in April.