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Sheryl Crow has publicly criticized Drake for using artificial intelligence (AI) to generate vocals of the late rapper Tupac Shakur in his song “Taylor Made Freestyle.” Crow, a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member, expressed her dismay in an interview with the BBC, calling the use of AI to mimic deceased artists “hateful” and “antithetical to the life force that exists in all of us”.
The controversy began when Drake released “Taylor Made Freestyle” on April 19, 2024. The track, which also featured AI-generated vocals of Snoop Dogg, was a diss aimed at Kendrick Lamar. However, Tupac’s estate quickly issued a cease-and-desist letter, demanding the song’s removal. Drake complied, taking down the track on April 26, but Crow believes this does not address the larger issue of ethical AI use in music.
Crow’s concern with AI technology in music stems from personal experience. She recounted an incident where a young songwriter used AI to insert John Mayer’s vocals into a demo to make it more appealing. Crow, familiar with Mayer’s voice, found the imitation disturbingly accurate, causing her to hyperventilate upon hearing it. This event, coupled with her broader concerns about AI’s impact on artistic integrity, has led Crow to advocate for stricter regulations on AI in the music industry.
In her recent song “Evolution,” Crow addresses these issues, highlighting the dangers of AI in music creation. She, along with other artists, has called for legislative measures to protect artists’ rights and ensure AI is used ethically.
Drake’s use of AI-generated vocals has sparked a broader debate about the ethical implications of resurrecting voices of deceased artists. As the music industry navigates this new technological landscape, voices like Crow’s emphasize the need for careful consideration and regulation.
