Drake drops huge hint after Tupac's ring sells for record sum at NYC auction!
New York, New York - A ring that Tupac Shakur designed and wore during his last public appearance fetched a whopping $1 million at a New York City auction – and the buyer is none other than hip-hop superstar Drake!
Tupac self-designed and donned the gold, ruby, and diamond crown ring during his final public appearance at the MTV Video Music Awards on September 4, 1996. Three days later, he was shot in a drive-by shooting in Las Vegas, and died on September 13, at age 25.
Before Tuesday's sale – part of Sotheby's 50th Anniversary of Hip Hop Auction – the company estimated the ring would go for between $200,000 and $300,000. In the end, the winning bid made it "the most valuable hip-hop artifact ever sold," per a statement.
Though the new owner of the ring was not officially revealed, Drake dropped a not-so-subtle hint that it might be him. In an Instagram Story Thursday referencing the launch of Travis Scott's new album, Utopia, the Canadian artist showed off what appears to be the piece of jewelry.
Crafted with unidentified New York jewelers, the ring is engraved with "Pac & Dada 1996." At the time, Shakur was dating fashion designer Kidada Jones, daughter of producer Quincy Jones.
"This one-of-a-kind, custom ring was meticulously designed by Pac and is among the final products of his boundless creative energy – a unique artifact from a period of time that is a testament to his enduring influence on hip hop," Sotheby’s Cassandra Hatton said in a statement.
UPDATE, July 28, 1:45 pm EST: Drake confirmed as ring owner
Sotheby's has now officially confirmed Drake as the owner of the legendary ring!
Sotheby's Hatton added: "We’re thrilled that this exceptional piece has entered a new chapter in the hands of another legendary artist."
Dizzy paid a whopping $1.01 million for the piece, also breaking a record for the only hip hop artifact to surpass $1 million.
Could it be a gift for his new supposed boo, rapper Sexyy Red?
Cover photo: Collage: REUTERS & Ed JONES / AFP