Drake Faces Lawsuit Threat from Tupac's Estate for Using Late Rapper's Voice In Kendrick Lamar Diss
Drake stirred up controversy yet again with his latest diss track aimed at Kendrick Lamar, titled "Taylor Made Freestyle." This time, however, the backlash wasn't just from Kendrick's camp but also from the iconic Tupac Shakur's estate.
In a surprising turn of events, "Taylor Made Freestyle" featured AI-generated vocals from both Tupac and Snoop Dogg. While Snoop's response seemed to lean towards approval, the late Tupac never had a chance to voice his opinion on the matter.
This raised questions about the ethics and appropriateness of using Tupac's likeness without proper authorization, especially considering his status as a revered figure in hip-hop.
- Related Stories: Tupac's Brother Slams Drake's Use of AI in Kendrick Lamar Diss Track
According to reports from Billboard, Drake received a cease and desist letter from Tupac's estate, represented by litigator Howard King. The letter demanded that Drake remove the song from all platforms within 24 hours or face legal action.
King expressed the estate's deep dismay and disappointment over the unauthorized use of Tupac's voice, labeling it a flagrant violation of Tupac's rights and legacy.
2Pac's Estate Considers Legal Action Against Drake for Diss Track featuring AI Tupac Voice:
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.The letter didn't stop there. It also addressed the disrespect shown towards Kendrick Lamar, a close friend of Tupac, who has always honored the late rapper's legacy with utmost respect.”
- Howard King
King emphasized that the estate would never have approved such usage, highlighting the severity of the situation and the estate's determination to protect Tupac's legacy at all costs.
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.”
- Howard King
This legal action adds a new layer to the ongoing feud between Drake and Kendrick Lamar, further complicating their already strained relationship.
It also serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting the legacies of iconic figures in the music industry, especially those who have left an indelible mark like Tupac Shakur.
As the controversy continues to unfold, fans are left wondering about the repercussions for Drake and the future of his music career.
Will he comply with the cease and desist order, or will he face the consequences of his actions in court? Only time will tell how this latest chapter in the world of hip-hop drama will unfold.