A ring that rapper Tupac Shakur, who died in 1996, designed himself and wore on his last public appearance is to be auctioned in New York. The crown-shaped ring with gold, diamonds and rubies could fetch up to 300,000 US dollars (about 270,000 euros), said auction house Sotheby’s.
Shakur (“All Eyez on Me”) was one of the most successful rap artists of the 90s. In 1996, at the age of 25, he was shot dead in a Las Vegas street under unclear circumstances. Back then there were clashes between rival rappers from the east and west coasts.
Shakur had the jewelry made to celebrate his engagement to girlfriend Kidada Jones, Sotheby’s said. The inscription “Pac & Dada 1996” is engraved in the ring. In 1996, the musician wore the ring at the MTV Video Music Awards, his last public appearance. Now his godmother Yaasmyn Fula released the piece for auction.
Between July 18th and 25th, interested parties can place bids online for the ring and other pieces by rap and hip-hop artists.(dpa)