Drake just added another legendary piece of hip-hop history to his personal collection.
On Saturday, Aug. 24, the rapper revealed on Instagram that he purchased Tupac Shakur’s original Death Row Records chain pendant from renowned memorabilia collector Alexander Bitar. In the post, Drake shared photos of Tupac’s original diamond-encrusted Death Row Records pendant and tagged Bitar, confirming the acquisition.
The diamond-encrusted pendant is a true rarity. Featuring the iconic Death Row Records logo with an electric chair figure, the 14-karat gold piece carries about three carats of diamonds. On the back, it’s engraved with “All Eyez on YOU,” a nod to Tupac’s classic 1996 album All Eyez on Me.
The historic pendant was originally part of a limited set of chains commissioned by Death Row co-founder Suge Knight for the label’s biggest stars. At the time, only artists like Tupac and Snoop Dogg were given the coveted pieces, symbolizing the label’s dominance in the ‘90s.
For Bitar, who has built an international reputation as a premier dealer of pop culture artifacts, the sale is another example of his philosophy: “We Sell History.” Based in Stockholm and Beverly Hills, his company, Alexander Bitar History, has sourced rare items tied to music icons, Hollywood legends, and world leaders.
Drake’s latest purchase isn’t the first time he’s invested in Tupac memorabilia. In July 2023, the Canadian rapper made headlines after dropping $1.01 million at a Sotheby’s auction for Tupac’s custom crown ring — the most expensive hip-hop artifact ever sold. Designed by Tupac himself and worn during his final public appearance at the 1996 MTV Video Music Awards, the gold-and-gemstone ring was engraved with “Pac & Dada 1996,” a reference to his engagement to Kidada Jones.
Though the price of Tupac’s Death Row pendant hasn’t been disclosed, similar pieces have been valued between $500,000 and $1 million at auction. Still, fans are divided about the sale. While some praise Drake for preserving hip-hop history, others argue that artifacts like this belong in museums instead of private collections.
Death Row Records, founded in 1991 by Dr. Dre, Suge Knight, The D.O.C., and Dick Griffey, remains one of the most influential labels in rap history. The label released classics including Dr. Dre’s The Chronic, Snoop Dogg’s Doggystyle, and Tupac’s All Eyez on Me. Today, Snoop Dogg — who purchased the label in 2022 — continues its legacy, even gifting Death Row chains to contestants on The Voice, where he serves as a coach.
However, Drake’s latest purchase has reignited debates online. Some fans praised him for preserving hip-hop history, while others quickly questioned his motives and authenticity. One viral comment bluntly stated, “Pac would’ve hated Drake as much as DMX did.”
Others pointed out the timing, noting that Kendrick Lamar — Drake’s most recent rival in a fiery public feud — has frequently referenced Shakur in his music, including in the chart-topping diss track “Not Like Us.”
For Drake, owning Tupac’s pendant is more than a fashion statement — it’s a personal connection to one of hip-hop’s most iconic figures. And with his growing collection of rare pieces, he’s making sure part of that legacy lives on.
