Tupac and Biggie Mug Shots, B.I.G.'s Last Show Footage Up for Auction

Tupac Shakur’s Estate Threatens Drake With Lawsuit Over AI Voice Imitation

Tupac Shakur’s Estate Threatens Drake , With Lawsuit Over AI Voice Imitation. Tupac Shakur’s Estate Threatens Drake , With Lawsuit Over AI Voice Imitation. Drake has received a cease-and-desist letter from the late rapper's estate for using an AI-generated version of Tupac's voice in his new song, "Taylor Made (Freestyle).". Drake has received a cease-and-desist letter from the late rapper's estate for using an AI-generated version of Tupac's voice in his new song, "Taylor Made (Freestyle).". The song, a diss track against Kendrick Lamar, was released via Instagram on April 19. The song, a diss track against Kendrick Lamar, was released via Instagram on April 19. On April 24, 'USA TODAY' obtained a letter in which the estate says it's "deeply dismayed and disappointed by your unauthorized use of Tupac's voice and personality in the 'Taylor Made (Freestyle)' record.". We demand that you immediately cease and desist from any further publication and exploitation of the Record, and that you immediately take ALL NECESSARY steps to remove it from all platforms where it is publicly available, Via cease-and-desist letter to Drake. The letter went on to assert that the song is "a flagrant violation of Tupac's publicity and the Estate's legal rights.". The Estate would never have given its approval for this use, Via cease-and-desist letter to Drake. The unauthorized, equally dismaying use of Tupac's voice against Kendrick Lamar, a good friend to the Estate who has given nothing but respect to Tupac and his legacy publicly and privately, compounds the insult, Via cease-and-desist letter to Drake. The letter also asks Drake to think about "the harm that unauthorized AI impersonations can cause to artists, including yourself.". The letter also asks Drake to think about "the harm that unauthorized AI impersonations can cause to artists, including yourself.". In addition to the estate demanding that the song be removed from the internet by April 25. it would like to know "how the sound-alike was created and the persons or company that created it, including all recordings and other data 'scraped' or used."

This Day in History: Kendrick Lamar Wins Pulitzer Prize

This Day in History: , Kendrick Lamar Becomes the First Rapper to Win the Pulitzer Prize. April 16, 2018. Lamar was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Music for his extraordinary 2017 album, 'DAMN.'. It was the first time the prestigious award had been granted to a genre outside of classical music or jazz. According to the Pulitzer Prize administrator, the decision to recognize Lamar's work was unanimous. ['DAMN' is] a virtuosic song collection unified by its vernacular authenticity and rhythmic dynamism that offers affecting vignettes capturing the complexity of modern African-American life, Pulitzer Prize Awarding Committee. Lamar grew up during the 1990s in Compton, CA, surrounded by the influence of artists like Tupac Shakur and Dr. Dre. His previous album efforts became known for their social commentary. A fellow nominee called Lamar “one of the greatest living American composers, for sure.”

Legendary NYC DJ Mister Cee Dead at 57

Legendary NYC DJ , Mister Cee , Dead at 57. Mister Cee was an influential figure in the world of hip-hop who served as DJ for rapper Big Daddy Kane and is credited for his role in discovering The Notorious B.I.G. . CNN reports that Mister Cee's former employer, New York's Hot 97 hip-hop radio station, released a statement regarding his death. As a family at HOT 97 and WBLS, we’re deeply saddened by the passing of our beloved Mister Cee. , Hot 97 statement, via CNN. Mr. Cee’s influence stretched far beyond the airwaves, shaping the very fabric of NYC’s DJ culture, Hot 97 statement, via CNN. Our hearts are heavy as we send our love and condolences to his family and the fans whose lives he touched through his music. Rest easy, Mr. Cee. Your legacy will live forever, Hot 97 statement, via CNN. No cause of death was released at the time of the announcement. Mister Cee was born, Calvin LeBrun , in Brooklyn, New York. Mister Cee was born, Calvin LeBrun , in Brooklyn, New York. After rising through the hip-hop scene of New York City, Mister Cee worked on Big Daddy Kane's debut 1988 album, 'Long Live the Kane.'. After rising through the hip-hop scene of New York City, Mister Cee worked on Big Daddy Kane's debut 1988 album, 'Long Live the Kane.'. Later, he would serve as an associate producer on The Notorious B.I.G.'s 1994 debut album, 'Ready to Die.'. Mister Cee went on to have a long career as a popular DJ and radio personality with Hot 97. . Mister Cee went on to have a long career as a popular DJ and radio personality with Hot 97.

Remembering The Notorious B.I.G. (Sat., March 9)

Remembering , The Notorious B.I.G. Christopher George Latore Wallace was born on May 21, 1972, in Brooklyn, NY. Biggie released his debut album, 'Ready to Die,' in 1994. He became involved with the East Coast-West Coast hip-hop feud while recording his sophomore album. His second album, 'Life After Death,' was released shortly after his murder... ... and was No. 1 on the U.S. charts. It later became certified Diamond in 2000. Biggie’s posthumous studio albums include, 'Born Again' and 'Duets: The Final Chapter.'. He was murdered in a drive-by shooting on March 9, 1997. He was only 24 years old. Considered to be one of the greatest rappers, his legacy is heard throughout the history of hip-hop.