Kendrick Lamar, during his Juneteenth concert, called out Drake to return Tupac Shakur’s iconic ring. The ring holds sentimental value as it features a 14-karat crown adorned with rubies and diamonds, symbolizing Mr. Shakur’s engagement to Kidada Jones and the founding of his media company.
The request made by Mr. Lamar at his concert sparked a buzz on the internet, especially considering the ongoing feud between the two rappers. This marked Mr. Lamar’s return to the stage after his feud with Drake, where he performed alongside other West Coast artists like Dr. Dre, YG, Tyler, the Creator, Schoolboy Q, and Steve Lacy.
The ring holds great significance in hip-hop history, with Mr. Shakur designing it himself and wearing it at the 1996 MTV Video Music Awards, his final public appearance before his tragic death. Drake had acquired the ring at an auction in 2023 for over a million dollars, which stirred up some controversy, particularly for Mr. Lamar, who sees himself as carrying on Mr. Shakur’s legacy in West Coast rap.
Jewelry has always been a symbol of brotherhood and loyalty in hip-hop culture, as stated by Vikki Tobak, author of “Ice Cold: A Hip-Hop Jewelry History.” The significance of the ring goes beyond its monetary value, representing a connection to Mr. Shakur and the history of hip-hop.
The feud between Mr. Lamar and Drake seems to extend beyond just a rivalry between two artists, delving into the realm of legacy and authenticity in the hip-hop community. The call for the return of Mr. Shakur’s ring adds another layer to the ongoing narrative between the two rappers and their place in the history of hip-hop.