Drake’s purchase of a diamond-studded Death Row Records chain once linked to 2Pac has sparked criticism from inside the late rapper’s family.
Mopreme Shakur, 2Pac’s stepbrother, believes the chain should never have been sold outside the family and is questioning Drake’s motivation for acquiring it.
In an interview with Loren Lorosa, Mopreme addressed the Canadian artist directly. “My man need to think more about his moves,” he said, pointing to a recent London appearance where Drake praised UK rappers as being better than American rappers.
Mopreme then asked, “So why are you so seeking after the King of Raps’ jewels, literal jewels?”
His remarks highlighted what he saw as a contradiction between Drake’s public comments and his private purchases.
Mopreme made clear that he was not looking to stir unnecessary conflict, but he still found the sale troubling. “I think the family should have all of ‘Pac’s things, personally,” he said. “But things don’t always work out that way. But my personal opinion. That’s what I feel.”
The chain features the Death Row Records emblem and was originally connected to 2Pac’s 1996 album All Eyez On Me.
Last month, Drake revealed the purchase on Instagram, sharing images of the chain alongside a photo of 2Pac during that era. The piece was obtained through memorabilia dealer Alexander Bitar, who is known for handling rare items from hip-hop history.
Though the exact selling price has not been disclosed, experts have placed its value between $500,000 and $1 million. This is not Drake’s first major acquisition tied to the late rapper. In 2023, he bought 2Pac’s custom gold crown ring, which sold at auction for more than $1 million.
The sale has not gone unquestioned. From prison, Suge Knight rejected the chain’s authenticity, insisting it was “not 2Pac’s chain” and “not a Death Row chain.”
For Mopreme, he remains firm in his belief that 2Pac’s possessions should remain with his family, not in the hands of outside collectors, no matter how famous they are.
