Drake Acquires Tupac’s Iconic Crown Ring for Over $1 Million at Sotheby’s Auction

Drake, the renowned Canadian rapper, has reportedly made a significant purchase at a recent Sotheby’s auction, acquiring the legendary Tupac Shakur’s self-designed crown ring. The ring, worn by Tupac at the MTV Video Music Awards in September 1996, shortly before his untimely death, is crafted from gold, ruby, and diamond. Initially projected to fetch $200,000, it surpassed all expectations, selling for an impressive $1,016,000, making it the “most valuable hip hop artifact ever sold at auction” and the first of its kind to cross the million-dollar mark.

The ring holds immense historical significance as a creation of Tupac’s imagination, meticulously crafted according to his specifications until it achieved perfection. Notably, it bears an inscription on the outer, palm-facing side of the ring band, reading “Pac & Dada 1996,” commemorating his fairy-tale engagement to sweetheart Kidada Jones. The engravings on the ring show signs of wear, with the rapper’s name almost rubbed back down to the gold, further adding to its authenticity and sentimental value.

Drake confirmed his acquisition of the iconic crown ring through an extravagant Instagram story, showcasing his new prized possession. The Sotheby’s auction, held earlier this month, celebrated the 50th anniversary of the hip hop genre, featuring a vast array of hip hop artifacts in 119 different lots. The sale included letters, paintings, jewelry, and flyers from notable rap legends.

Among the other notable items sold was a rare find – three pages of handwritten liner notes on the album sleeve of ‘Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)’ by RZA. Additionally, the auction featured the original artwork used for the cover of Rob Dougan’s ‘Clubbed to Death,’ which was later used in The Matrix soundtrack, as well as original Nike Dunk prototypes.

The acquisition of Tupac’s crown ring by Drake signifies the continued appreciation and reverence for the legacy of the influential rapper, while also showcasing the growing value of hip hop artifacts in the world of collectibles and memorabilia.