Legendary auction house Sotheby's is preparing to showcase its third dedicated hip-hop sale, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the genre and celebrating its profound impact on art and culture. Among the extraordinary collection of historical treasures, one particular gem stands out—the self-designed gold, diamond and ruby ring of rap icon Tupac Shakur.
Photo Courtesy Sotheby's
Crafted by Tupac himself, the ring bears the inscription 'Pac & Dada 1996,' symbolizing the artist's engagement with Kidada Jones and serving as a powerful symbol of love and creativity. It gained global attention when Tupac proudly displayed it during his appearance at the 1996 MTV Video Music Awards.
Now, it takes center stage at Sotheby's auction, commanding an estimated value ranging from $200,000 to $300,000.
The ring is presented by Yaasmyn Fula, Tupac's godmother and confidante, who played a pivotal role in supporting his artistic endeavors and achievements.
Accompanying the ring, the auction features a remarkable collection of hip-hop artifacts, including original artwork, historic studio equipment, sneakers, jackets, flyers and rare memorabilia. These items pay homage to influential pioneers such as Nas, Wu-Tang Clan, Ice-T and Afrika Islam, showcasing the rich tapestry of hip-hop's cultural impact.
Online bidding for the event will be open from July 18th to July 25th. For those eager to experience these extraordinary artifacts firsthand, a dedicated exhibition will be on display at Sotheby's York Avenue galleries from July 18th to July 24th.
Grammy-winning rapper Nelly has secured a major deal with HarbourView Equity Partners, obtaining $50 million for 50% ownership of his catalog. The partnership marks a significant milestone in Nelly's career, involving the sale of his iconic recorded assets, including chart-topping hits like "Ride Wit Me," "Dilemma" featuring Kelly Rowland, and the mega-hit "Hot in Herre."
While exact figures were not disclosed, TMZ reported that the deal amounted to $50 million. This substantial agreement allows HarbourView Equity Partners to acquire eight albums and a collection of No. 1 singles spanning over two decades of Nelly's illustrious career.
Expressing his excitement for the partnership in a statement, Nelly emphasized the importance of preserving his musical legacy and reaching new audiences. He said, "My music is my legacy which I want to last beyond me, continuing to make my existing fans happy while reaching new generations and new audiences."
Sherrese Clarke Soares, Founder of HarbourView Equity Partners, recognized the cultural significance of Nelly's catalog, which showcases a unique fusion of hip-hop, R&B, and country music. She highlighted the impact of Nelly's works, particularly songs like "Hot in Herre" and "Shake Ya Tailfeather," which defined a distinct era in music. Soares expressed enthusiasm for incorporating these influential pieces into HarbourView's repertoire and supporting artistic endeavors within their ecosystem.
This $50 million deal further solidifies Nelly's position as one of the industry's most successful and influential artists. Throughout his career, Nelly has collaborated with renowned musicians such as Janet Jackson, Nicki Minaj and Usher. His contributions have earned him three Grammy Awards and three American Music Awards, attesting to his widespread recognition and impact.
In addition to his musical ventures, Nelly has ventured into entrepreneurship. He recently introduced "MoShine," his own moonshine brand, paying homage to his hometown of St. Louis, MO.
Currently, Nelly is working on his ninth studio album, "Heartland 2," which serves as the spiritual sequel to his 2021 album, "Heartland." The album, heavily influenced by country music and featuring collaborations with notable country stars, peaked at No. 45 on the Billboard 200 chart.
Hennessy and Nas have partnered to commemorate the 50th anniversary of hip-hop. In this unique collaboration, the leading cognac brand will release a limited-edition Hennessy V.S bottle, designed in partnership with the hip-hop legend, paying homage to the enduring relationship between Hennessy and the genre.
The bottle's unveiling is scheduled for July 20 at a digital mapping event, aiming to showcase the global impact of hip-hop culture. Additionally, Hennessy will introduce Hennessy Album Covers, an AI-led experience that transforms selfies into personalized album covers, drawing inspiration from iconic hip-hop eras as part of their Rep Yours campaign. This campaign invites fans to express their connection to hip-hop through an immersive digital experience.
Nas expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration with Hennessy, emphasizing the brand's significant influence on hip-hop fans across generations. In a statement announcing the partnership, the Grammy Award-winning rapper said, "It means a lot to me to celebrate this legendary moment in hip-hop history with Hennessy, a brand that has supported me for over 10 years. Hennessy is deeply embedded in our culture and continues to inspire generations of hip-hop fans. I'm extremely proud to share our new limited-edition bottle with the world."
The relationship between Hennessy and hip-hop has been intertwined for years, with the cognac brand prominently featured in countless rap songs, solidifying its position as the most referenced spirit in the industry. Renowned artists such as Nas, Tupac, and Jay-Z have made numerous lyrical references to Hennessy, highlighting its prominence within the genre.
Beyond its presence in lyrics, Hennessy has actively engaged with the hip-hop community through collaborations and partnerships. Working alongside renowned photographer Renell Medrano, Nas has narrated a film as a heartfelt tribute to hip-hop. The film showcases imagery of the Hennessy V.S Bottle and offers a personal reflection on the brand's profound impact on the culture.
To enhance the celebration, Hennessy's expert mixologists have crafted three signature cocktails inspired by flavors synonymous with hip-hop: "The Big Apple," "HenNASsy Honey" and "Incredible Hennessy."
For more information and to participate in toasting this seminal moment in hip-hop history through the Rep Yours campaign, click here.
