The estate of Tupac Shakur has issued a legal threat against Canadian rapper Drake following the release of a diss track that features an AI-generated voice closely resembling that of the late Tupac. The track, which has stirred considerable controversy, uses technology to mimic Tupac’s distinctive style and vocal timbre, leading to significant backlash from fans and stakeholders in the music industry.
The estate’s lawyers argue that the use of Tupac’s voice, simulated by AI without explicit permission, infringes upon the late artist’s copyright and violates his posthumous rights to image and likeness. They contend that such usage not only exploits Tupac’s legacy without consent but also potentially damages the reverence and respect Tupac still commands.
Drake’s team has not yet responded publicly to the lawsuit threats, but the situation raises profound questions about ethics and legality in the era of artificial intelligence in music production. This incident could set a precedent for how AI-generated representations of deceased artists are treated legally and culturally.
Fans of Tupac have expressed their disapproval on social media, citing discomfort with the artificial resurrection of the iconic rapper’s voice to serve purposes not sanctioned by him or his estate. Many see this as a violation of the artist’s legacy and an unwelcome manipulation of his influential voice.This case highlights the broader implications for the music industry as AI continues to advance, challenging traditional norms around copyright and artistic integrity. The outcome of this dispute could influence future regulations and guidelines on the use of AI in artistic creations, particularly involving voices of deceased celebrities.
