It appears that Drake‘s decision to use Tupac’s voice in a diss track aimed at Kendrick Lamar hasn’t gone down well, not only with fans but also with Suge Knight, the late rapper’s former label boss. Suge expressed his disapproval of Drake using an AI-version of Tupac in his second Kendrick diss song, “Taylor Made Freestyle.”
In a teaser for an upcoming episode of his Collect Call podcast, the incarcerated rap mogul scolded Drake, saying, “Young people do what young people do. It’s y’all turn, but regarding the homie Pac, he wasn’t no chump. Putting him on a song and dissing Kendrick for everybody entertainment — that ain’t how it go.”
Suge also accused Snoop of being involved in Pac’s 1996 murder before cautioning Drake about visiting the West Coast. “Putting him on a song with Snoop, who was a part of his downfall and exit, ain’t ever a good look,” Suge explained. “Pac was a king on that chessboard. He never was a pawn, so you can’t make him be a pawn now … The West Coast is a whole state of real gang members of all colors, all races. Enter with caution.”
Suge wasn’t the only one displeased with Drake’s usage of Tupac’s likeness. The late rapper’s brother told TMZ that he feels Drake’s use of AI was a weapon and that rap battles should be one-on-one.
Mopreme Shakur expressed that while he loves hearing his brother’s voice, he doesn’t appreciate it being used in a battle. Additionally, Drake used an AI version of Snoop Dogg’s voice, who is very much alive.
It’s no secret that Kendrick Lamar is heavily inspired by Tupac and that Snoop is one of his more frequent collaborators. Drake saw this as a creative move to try and get under Kendrick’s skin.
The AI-generated vocals were convincing enough to leave Snoop Dogg speechless, as shown in his bewildered Instagram post.
“They did what? When? How? Are you sure? Y’all have a good night,” Snoop hilariously reacted.
Before signing off, he continued, “Why is everybody calling my phone, blowing me up? What the fuck? What happened? What’s going on? I’m going back to bed. Good night.”
Kendrick Lamar has remained silent throughout this exchange. Speculation suggests he might address the disses on his upcoming album releasing next month.
