Tupac and Snoop Dogg’s Diamond-Encrusted Death Row Pendants Are Heading to Auction
- Oops!Something went wrong.Please try again later.
Owning a little piece of rap history doesn’t come easy, but collectors have a chance to make that happen for the next couple of weeks.
Two original Death Row Records pendants worn by the likes of Tupac and Snoop Dogg are up for auction via Gotta Have Rock and Roll, Hypebeast reported on Friday. A fully diamond-encrusted version is expected to hammer down for up to $1 million, while the partially decked-out pendant is looking at an estimate of $500,000.
More from Robb Report
'Antique' Vampire-Hunting Kits Sell for Thousands-but Most Are Pure 'Gothic Fiction'
Audrey Hepburn's Famous Pearl Necklace From 'Roman Holiday' Is Heading to Auction
This Bonkers Custom Mercedes-Benz 300CE With Gullwing Doors Could Be Yours for $300,000
Both pieces of bling were commissioned by Suge Knight, the founder of the record company. The more expensive of the two, which features 14-carat gold and about three carats in diamonds, was given to the label’s highest-ranking artists, including Tupac and Snoop. Musicians farther down the food chain could wear the less iced-out version, which is adorned with about one carat of pavé-set diamonds.
The chains are notable for being some of the first pieces of jewelry that depicted a gang symbol, according to Gotta Have Rock and Roll. The Death Row Records logo was so controversial, it was even banned in some West Coast schools.
The two pieces being offered at auction came from the personal collection of Reggie Wright Jr., who served as the label’s general manager. Wright is also letting go of a few additional pieces from rap’s legacy: Tupac’s Saturday Night Live performance envelope and personalized ticket from his 1996 appearance on the show are expected to fetch up to $12,000.
Elsewhere, Gotta Have Rock and Roll is selling unreleased footage of the Notorious B.I.G.’s last-ever concert before he was murdered. Performing at Sting in Jamaica, Biggie took the mic from a wheelchair because he had been in a car accident a couple months prior. The videotape, which is being offered alongside the rapper’s signed contract, could sell for as much as $2 million.
Over the past few months, rapper’s jewelry has fetched some pretty impressive prices at auction: In July, Drake revealed that he had dropped $1 million for Tupac’s custom gold ring. And earlier this month, a diamond Jacob & Co. watch previously owned by Jay-Z sold for $1.5 million. It seems like the Death Row chains are headed for a similar result.
Best of Robb Report
Sign up for Robb Report's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
