Canadian rapper Drake has made headlines once again, this time for his latest extravagant purchase. The Grammy-winning artist recently revealed that he is the proud owner of the late Tupac Shakur’s iconic crown ring, which sold at auction for a record-breaking $1 million. Drake took to his Instagram Stories to share a photo of himself wearing the historic piece of jewelry, showcasing the gold, ruby, and diamond design.
The ring, worn by Tupac during his final public appearance at the MTV Video Music Awards in 1996, was auctioned off by Sotheby’s. The inscription ‘Pac & Dada 1996’ is engraved on the band, symbolizing Tupac’s engagement to Kidada Jones. Sotheby’s confirmed that Drake purchased the ring for a staggering $1.01 million, surpassing the initial estimate of $200,000 to $300,000.
This acquisition adds to Drake’s already impressive collection of luxury items. Known for his lavish spending, the rapper has previously purchased a Boeing 767 for personal use and a Los Angeles mansion for $104 million, once owned by singer Robbie Williams.
Tupac Shakur, widely regarded as one of the greatest rappers of all time, tragically passed away at the age of 25, just days after his final public appearance. The ring holds significant historical and cultural value, as it represents the legacy of an influential artist who left an indelible mark on the music industry.
The design of the crown ring was influenced by Tupac’s admiration for Niccolo Machiavelli’s political manifesto ‘The Prince,’ which he read while serving time in prison. The ring features a gold circlet adorned with a central cabochon ruby and two pave-cut diamonds, sitting atop a diamond-encrusted gold band. It is a symbol of Tupac’s self-coronation and a celebration of survival amidst the challenges he faced throughout his life.
Drake’s acquisition of Tupac’s ring comes at a time when he is enjoying great success in his own career. The rapper recently kicked off his highly anticipated ‘It’s All a Blur Tour’ with 21 Savage, marking his first tour since 2018. Drake has released several successful albums in recent years, including ‘Her Loss’ with 21 Savage, ‘Honestly, Nevermind,’ and ‘Certified Lover Boy,’ all of which reached number one on the Billboard 200 chart.
With his latest purchase, Drake continues to solidify his status as one of the biggest names in the music industry. The acquisition of Tupac’s iconic ring not only adds to his personal collection but also pays homage to a legendary artist whose influence continues to resonate with fans worldwide.