Sheryl Crow’s recent comments regarding Drake’s use of an AI-generated version of Tupac Shakur’s voice in his Kendrick Lamar diss track, “Taylor Made Freestyle,” have sparked a heated debate. She labeled the decision as “hateful” and emphasized the importance of respecting the deceased by not manipulating their voices for personal gain. Crow expressed her disbelief in the idea of bringing back individuals from the dead and exploiting their legacy in such a manner.
Amidst his ongoing feud with Kendrick Lamar, Drake released “Taylor Made Freestyle,” incorporating AI-generated voices of both Tupac Shakur and Snoop Dogg. The song featured Drake rapping alongside these iconic voices while aiming disses at Lamar. This move was met with severe backlash, with many accusing Drake of disrespecting the legacies of these legendary artists. Prominent entertainment lawyer Howard E. King even sent a cease and desist letter to Drake on behalf of the Shakur estate, demanding the immediate removal of the song from all platforms.
Howard E. King’s cease and desist letter highlighted the legal implications of Drake’s actions, citing it as a violation of Tupac’s publicity rights and the estate’s legal rights. The unauthorized use of Tupac’s voice was condemned for tarnishing the reputation of one of the greatest hip-hop artists of all time. The letter emphasized that the estate would never have approved of such usage and criticized Drake for his blatant disregard for Tupac’s legacy.
In response to the backlash, Drake removed “Taylor Made Freestyle” from streaming services and addressed the controversy in another diss track aimed at Lamar titled “Family Matters.” In this track, Drake shifted the blame onto Lamar, accusing him of instigating the legal action taken by Tupac’s estate. The feud between the two rappers escalated as they traded diss tracks, each pointing fingers at the other for their alleged disrespect towards Tupac and his legacy.
Kendrick Lamar retaliated against Drake’s accusations of disrespect in his hit song “Not Like Us.” In this track, Lamar directly addresses Drake’s actions and warns him of the consequences of his disrespectful behavior towards Tupac. He insinuates that Drake’s actions will not be tolerated by the hip-hop community, especially in regions like the Bay Area where Tupac holds significant reverence.
The controversy surrounding Drake’s use of an AI-generated Tupac Shakur’s voice has ignited a broader conversation about ethics, respect, and artistic integrity in the music industry. The clash between Drake and Lamar serves as a reminder of the importance of honoring the legacies of iconic artists and refraining from exploiting their voices for personal gain. The repercussions of such actions extend beyond legal ramifications and delve into deeply rooted issues of morality and accountability within the music community.
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