Title: Drake Acquires Iconic Tupac Shakur Ring for Over $1 Million
In a major auction celebrating the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, Drake has acquired Tupac Shakur’s legendary gold, ruby, and diamond-encrusted crown ring. The rapper wore this iconic piece to the 1996 VMAs, showcasing his influence on the genre and global culture. The highly anticipated sale was conducted by Sotheby’s, renowned auctioneers of fine art and collectibles.
Originally estimated to fetch between $200,000 to $300,000, the ring exceeded all expectations, selling for a staggering sum of over $1 million. Drake, known for his love of unique and luxurious accessories, proudly showed off his latest acquisition on Instagram. He posted a Story wearing the ring while promoting his feature on Travis Scott’s latest album, Utopia.
Tupac himself designed the ring, which serves as an important artifact from a pivotal time in his career. Crafted by New York jewelers after his release from prison and signing with Death Row Records, the ring features a diamond-encrusted gold band adorned with a central cabochon ruby and two pavé-cut diamonds.
Fulu, Shakur’s godmother and money manager, revealed that the ring’s design symbolized the next phase of his career and an act of self-coronation. An inscription on the outer side of the ring reads “Pac & Dada 1996,” dedicated to his fiancée, Kidada Jones. The inscription, showcasing the most wear and tear, is a testament to Tupac’s enduring legacy.
The hip-hop auction at Sotheby’s, curated by Kelvin “Pos” Mercer of De La Soul, garnered significant attention from music enthusiasts and collectors worldwide. Mercer described the ring as a beautiful representation of Tupac expressing his love for someone. With Drake’s acquisition, the ring will embark on a new chapter, now in the possession of another legendary artist.
This historic sale not only solidifies the cultural significance of Tupac Shakur but also highlights the growing trend of hip-hop artifacts as highly coveted collectors’ items. The purchase of this iconic ring by Drake demonstrates the enduring influence and appeal of Tupac’s legacy, as well as the recognition of Drake’s own status as a hip-hop icon.
In the ever-evolving landscape of music and pop culture, this acquisition serves as a tangible reminder of the impact that Tupac had on the industry, and how his legacy continues to captivate audiences and artists alike.