Nearly 30 years after his 1996 death, rapper Tupac Shakur continues to make headlines, this time for a historic auction sale.
On Monday, Sotheby's New York announced that a unique piece of jewelry once owned by the iconic "California Love" rapper was sold for an astounding $1,016,000.
The gold, ruby, and diamond crown ring became "the most valuable Hip Hop artifact ever sold at auction," according to the prestigious auction house.
The one-of-a-kind, custom-designed ring was meticulously crafted by Tupac himself in 1996.
He famously wore it during his final public appearance at the 1996 MTV Video Music Awards, making it a highly sought-after item among collectors and fans alike.
Engraved on the band is the inscription "Pac & Dada, 1996," a tribute to his relationship with Kidada Jones, daughter of renowned music producer Quincy Jones and the late actress Peggy Lipton.
The design of the ring was reportedly inspired by Tupac's fascination with Niccolò Machiavelli's political manifesto, "The Prince."
During his time in prison, Tupac adopted the alias "Makaveli" after reading the text, and the crown-like ring reflects his admiration for the crowns worn by medieval kings of Europe.
Cassandra Hatton, Sotheby's Global Head of Science and Popular Culture, expressed the significance of the artifact as a testament to Tupac's lasting impact on the world of Hip Hop and beyond.
The rapper's godmother and lifelong supporter, Yaasmyn Fula, provided the ring for auction. This is not the first time a personal possession of Tupac has been auctioned.
In 2018, a heartfelt breakup letter penned by the rapper to a different former flame, Madonna, hit the auction block. Despite her efforts to halt the auction, the letter was eventually sold.
Tupac's influence and legacy endure, as demonstrated by his posthumous star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, an honor presented on June 7, 2023.
His sister, Sekyiwa "Set" Shakur, represented the family and spoke passionately about his dreams and enduring impact on the world.
As the auction of Tupac's ring breaks records, it serves as a poignant reminder of the rapper's artistic genius and his lasting influence on the music industry and popular culture.