Drake‘s attempt to create buzz with his new track took an unexpected turn. Country music legend Sheryl Crow is calling out the rapper for his controversial use of AI to mimic Tupac’s voice in his Kendrick Lamar diss track, “Taylor Made Freestyle.”
Family Matters – Drake
In a candid interview with the BBC, Crow didn’t hold back her disappointment with artists employing AI in their music. She specifically addressed Drake’s decision to resurrect Tupac’s voice using technology, labeling it as disrespectful and unethical.
“You cannot bring people back from the dead and believe that they would stand for that,” Crow asserted. “I’m sure Drake thought, ‘Yeah, I shouldn’t do it, but I’ll say sorry later.’ But it’s already done, and people will find it even if he takes it down. It’s hateful. It is antithetical to the life force that exists in all of us.”
Following its release, the track was quickly pulled from the internet, largely due to legal threats from Tupac’s estate. Yet, Crow emphasized that the damage had already been done.
Despite her strong feelings about the incident, Crow remains optimistic about the future of music. She believes that the true essence of artistry lies in live performances and genuine talent, something AI cannot replicate.
“AI can do lots of things, but it can’t go out and play live,” Crow stated. “So as long as we have live music, as long as we have hands holding a paintbrush, all is not lost.”