The hip-hop world was abuzz with the revelation that Drake has acquired a $1 million ring once worn by Tupac Shakur, a poignant piece of memorabilia tied to the late rapper’s final days. The custom-designed ring, crafted by Tupac himself, holds profound significance as it adorned his finger during his last public appearance at the 1996 MTV Video Music Awards, just days before his tragic murder on September 7, 1996. This acquisition, confirmed by Rolling Stone earlier this month, adds to Drake’s growing collection of hip-hop artifacts, cementing his role as a steward of the genre’s legacy.

The ring, a gold piece featuring a ruby and diamond crown with a cross, was offered for auction by Tupac’s godmother, Yaasmyn Fula, through Sotheby’s in July 2023. Initially estimated at $300,000, its emotional and historical value drove the bidding to an astonishing $1,016,000, tripling expectations. The sale, part of a larger Tupac estate auction, included items like handwritten lyrics, but the ring’s personal design—etched with Tupac’s initials and birthstone—stood out. Fula, who inherited it after Tupac’s death, told The New York Times in 2023, “It’s a piece of his soul.”

Drake, 38, emerged as the mystery buyer, a detail unveiled after months of speculation. The Toronto rapper, known for his vast memorabilia collection—including Michael Jackson’s glove and Biggie Smalls’ crown—beat out competitors with a last-minute bid, according to Sotheby’s records. His purchase aligns with his 2025 album For All the Dogs 2, where he paid homage to Tupac with a remix of “Ambitionz Az a Ridah.” Fans on X celebrated, with @DrakeTheGoat posting, “Drake honoring Tupac with that ring—legendary move!” while @HipHopHeritage added, “A million bucks well spent.”

The ring’s significance lies in its timing and Tupac’s personal touch. Worn at the VMAs on September 4, 1996, it marked his final televised moment, a performance overshadowed by his murder days later in Las Vegas. Its sale price reflects its cultural weight, outpacing other Tupac items like his 1995 poem, which fetched $200,000. Drake’s acquisition, revealed on August 20, 2025, via an Instagram Story showing the ring on his finger, has sparked debates about its preservation versus commercialization.

As of tonight, August 24, 2025, at 09:49 PM +07, the purchase has reignited interest in Tupac’s legacy, especially amid Diddy’s 2025 trial. Drake’s silence on the ring’s display plans—whether in a museum or private collection—fuels speculation. This $1 million piece, a tangible link to Tupac’s last days, underscores Drake’s commitment to hip-hop history, leaving fans eager to see how he honors it next.