Sheryl Crow has expressed her strong disapproval of Drake’s use of an AI-generated version of Tupac Shakur’s voice in his diss track aimed at Kendrick Lamar. Calling the move “hateful,” Crow believes that such actions disrespect the deceased artist’s legacy. In an interview with BBC, Crow emphasized that bringing back deceased artists through technology to use them in controversial ways is inappropriate and goes against the essence of artistry and respect.
Drake’s diss track, titled “Taylor Made Freestyle,” featured AI-generated versions of Tupac Shakur and Snoop Dogg, with Drake using their voices to insult Kendrick Lamar. This move was met with backlash from fans, industry peers, and now, even the Shakur estate. Prominent entertainment lawyer Howard E. King sent a cease and desist letter to Drake, demanding the immediate removal of the song from streaming services. The letter labeled the use of Tupac’s voice as a “flagrant violation” of his publicity rights and legacy.
In response to the controversy, Drake removed the song and addressed the situation in another diss track directed at Kendrick Lamar. In “Family Matters,” Drake took aim at Lamar, accusing him of instigating the legal action taken by the Shakur estate. Drake’s lyrics suggested that Lamar had reached out to the estate to encourage them to take legal action against Drake.
Lamar, on the other hand, retaliated with his own song, “Not Like Us,” where he called out Drake for disrespecting Tupac and hinted at consequences for his actions. Lamar’s lyrics conveyed a sense of loyalty and respect towards Tupac’s legacy, suggesting that disrespecting such an iconic figure would not go unnoticed or unpunished.
Tupac Shakur is regarded as one of the greatest hip-hop artists of all time, with a legacy that continues to influence artists today. His impact on the genre and cultural significance cannot be understated, making any unauthorized use of his voice or likeness a sensitive and controversial subject. The Shakur estate’s swift action in response to Drake’s track is a testament to the importance of protecting Tupac’s legacy and image.
The use of AI-generated voices of deceased artists in diss tracks is a contentious issue that raises questions about ethics, respect, and the boundaries of artistic expression. Sheryl Crow’s criticism of Drake’s actions sheds light on the impact of such choices on the industry and the legacy of artists like Tupac Shakur. It serves as a reminder that while artistry allows for creative expression, it should also be grounded in respect for the artists who paved the way before us.
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