In a surprising twist, rap sensation Drake has emerged as the proud new owner of the iconic crown ring once worn by the late Tupac Shakur.
The exquisite jewelry piece, which holds significant historical and sentimental value, was acquired by the Grammy-winning artist for a staggering sum of over $1 million at a recent auction.
Tupac Shakur, a celebrated rapper, and activist, donned the custom-designed crown ring on his left ring finger during his final appearance at the 1996 MTV Video Music Awards, just days before his tragic demise in Las Vegas at the young age of 25.
The band of the ring bore the engraving "Pac & Dada 1996," commemorating the artist's engagement to actress Kidada Jones.
Drake, who confirmed being the ring's mystery buyer, shared his excitement by posting a snapshot of the exquisite piece on his Instagram story.
Sotheby's, the auction house responsible for the sale, confirmed the purchase in a news release to CBS News.
Surpassing all expectations, the crown ring fetched three times its initial estimated value of $300,000, thereby becoming the most valuable hip-hop artifact ever sold at an auction, a record officially acknowledged by Sotheby's.
In fact, it holds the distinction of being the sole hip-hop artifact to have surpassed the $1 million mark.
The intriguing history of the ring extends back to 1996 when Tupac Shakur, following his release from prison and signing with Death Row Records, collaborated with his godmother, Fula, in its design.
Inspired by Niccolo Machiavelli's political manifesto "The Prince," Tupac fashioned the ring after the majestic crowns of medieval European kings, symbolizing his self-coronation as an influential figure.
The crown-shaped ring features a magnificent ruby at its center, encircled by two pavé diamonds.
According to Sotheby's, Tupac chose the ruby as it bears symbolic significance, representing royalty and wealth.
Tupac Shakur's legacy continues to captivate the world, and investigations into his tragic murder have persisted for nearly three decades.
Just recently, Las Vegas police revealed that a search of a property in Henderson, Nevada, was conducted in connection with the ongoing investigation.
The house belonged to Duane Keith Davis, also known as Keffe D, who allegedly confessed to being involved in Tupac Shakur's killing.
The acquisition of Tupac's crown ring by Drake not only adds to the allure of the hip-hop culture but also serves as a testament to the enduring impact of Tupac Shakur's legacy on the music industry and beyond.
With the ring now in the hands of one of the genre's biggest stars, its historical significance is bound to be preserved for generations to come.