The crown ring made of gold, rubies, and diamonds from rapper Tupac Shakur has become the “Most Valuable Hip Hop Artifact Ever Auctioned at Sotheby’s.” The late rapper Tupac Shakur’s ring was auctioned for 1 million USD, three times higher than the initial estimate from another auction house during a hip-hop themed auction in New York.
This ring was personally designed by Tupac Shakur and worn during his final public appearance at the 1996 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs). The ring is inscribed with the phrase “Pac & Dada 1996,” referencing Tupac Shakur’s engagement to actress and model Kidada Jones (daughter of renowned music producer Quincy Jones). The gold ring features a diamond-encrusted band adorned with a cabochon ruby and two prominent pavé stones, showcasing its luxurious appeal.
The ring was designed a few months after the rapper signed with Death Row Records following an 8-month prison sentence. Tupac Shakur’s godmother, Yaasmyn Fula, was the one who brought the ring to auction. Ms. Fula stated that the ring was modeled after the crowns of medieval European kings during their coronation.
“What’s special about this ring is that it not only shows Tupac Shakur as an artist dedicated to his craft but also as a man who dared to express his passionate love for the woman he cherished,” Sotheby’s website wrote.
In the same auction, Sotheby’s displayed over 100 items, including everything from studio equipment to handwritten lyrics, personal letters, and original artwork from the history of hip-hop. Notable items included a piece by American artist KAWS, formerly owned by Mo’Wax founder and producer UNKLE, James Lavelle. This piece, painted in KAWS’ classic cartoon style, sold for an estimated 76,200 USD.
Other auctioned items included handwritten notes by RZA for the Wu-Tang Clan album “Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)” and original artwork by Bill Sienkiewicz for EPMD’s debut release “Business as Usual.”
