Billboard has reported a significant development in the music industry. Drake's diss track, 'Taylor Made Freestyle,' aimed at Kendrick Lamar, has been forcefully removed from all his social media platforms. The reason behind this unprecedented move is a cease-and-desist letter from the estate of Tupac Shakur, objecting to the use of AI-generated vocals resembling the late rapper without permission.
Drake's response to a rap feud, a common occurrence in the music industry where artists engage in lyrical battles through diss tracks, initiated by Kendrick Lamar's verse on a recent hit song saw J. Cole enter the fray with a diss track, which he retracted from streaming services soon after. Drake's "Taylor Made Freestyle" included AI-generated vocals credited to Tupac Shakur and Snoop Dogg.
According to Billboard, the Shakur estate's legal representative, Howard King, sent a letter to Drake asking for the song's removal within 24 hours. The letter termed the use of Tupac's voice as "a flagrant violation" of the law and "a blatant abuse" of his legacy.
Drake has not commented on the situation, but the disappearance of "Taylor Made Freestyle" from his social media accounts suggests that he has complied with the cease-and-desist letter.
Snoop Dogg, whose AI-generated voice was also featured in the track, reacted in a way that left many amused. On his Instagram, he expressed confusion and amusement at the situation, adding an unexpected twist to the story.
This incident not only sparks a debate but also raises profound questions about the developing technology of AI voice replication. Its potential impact on artist likeness rights in the music industry is a matter of great intrigue and concern.
