The estate of American hip-hop icon 2Pac has issued a warning of legal action against Canadian rapper Drake regarding a recent diss track aimed at Kendrick Lamar. The track featured an AI-generated replication of 2Pac's voice.
In a cease-and-desist letter sent on Wednesday by their representative, Howard King, Drake was given less than 24 hours to remove the diss track or face legal consequences.
“The record not only violates 2Pac’s publicity rights and the estate’s legal protections but also blatantly disrespects the legacy of one of the most influential hip-hop artists of all time,” the letter stated. “The unauthorized use of 2Pac’s voice, particularly in a derogatory manner toward Kendrick Lamar, a close associate of the estate who has consistently shown respect for 2Pac and his legacy, exacerbates the offense.”
Drake released the track titled ‘Taylor Made Freestyle’ on Friday, featuring AI-generated renditions of both 2Pac and Snoop Dogg's voices.
The estate of 2Pac emphasized that they would not have granted approval for such usage had Drake sought permission.