Tupac Shakur Ring Sells For Record $1 Million

Published

12 months ago

July 25, 2023

Editor

A gold, ruby and diamond crown ring worn by rap legend Tupac Shakur during his last public appearance sold for $1 million at auction in New York Tuesday.

The winning bid was well above Sotheby’s pre-sale estimate of between $200,000 and $300,000 and becomes the most valuable hip-hop artifact ever sold, the auction house said.

The New York-born rapper wore the ring during his final public appearance at the MTV Video Music Awards on September 4, 1996.

He was shot dead by an unidentified assailant in a drive-by shooting in Las Vegas just days later on September 13. He was 25.

Shakur, whose hits included “California Love,” designed the ring over the course of a few months, Sotheby’s said.

He did so through his godmother Yaasmyn Fula, who put the ring up for sale.

Shakur was influenced by 16th century Italian philosopher Niccolo Machiavelli’s political manifesto “The Prince” which he read while in prison on sex abuse charges.

He modeled the design on the crowns of the medieval kings of Europe, Sotheby’s added.

The ring is engraved “Pac & Dada 1996,” a reference to his girlfriend Kidada Jones.

A gold circulet studded with a central cabochon ruby flanked by two pave-cut diamonds sits atop a diamond-encrusted gold band.

The sale was part of a dedicated hip-hop auction to mark 50 years of the genre which falls in August this year.

Shakur is considered one of the greatest rappers of all time, selling 75 million records.

He was a central figure in the Los Angeles-based West Coast hip-hop scene, which feuded with rival East Coast rappers in New York.

His killers have never been caught and theories about who was responsible have long abounded.

Shakur’s murder was followed six months later by the gunning down of East Coast rapper Christopher “The Notorious BIG” Wallace.

Many believe they were slain as part of a rivalry between their music labels, LA-based Death Row and New York’s Bad Boy Entertainment.

But some music historians say the coastal rift was exaggerated for commercial reasons.

Last week, Las Vegas police searched a home as part of their investigation into the murder of Shakur.

Joke Silva Debunks Rumor Of Husband Olu Jacobs’ Death

Published

5 days ago

June 30, 2024

Editor

Veteran Nollywood thespian Joke Silva, the wife of veteran actor, Olu Jacob’s has debunked the rumour of her husband’s death, saying he is much alive and doing just fine.

This is the second time rumours about the death of the legendary Nigerian actor will be making the rounds on social media.

Joke Silva in her reply to an sms inquiry by our reporter replied “My husband is alive and doing just fine.”

A close source to the family (name withheld), told Vanguard on phone that the AGN President told him that he spoke with the wife today and they spoke for over one hour without any mention of such news.

“Somebody who has lost a husband cannot be that chatty and Gail on phone,” the source said.

Also, Betty Irabor, an associate of the family has also debunked the rumour.

The final nail on the coffin of the rumour was a broadcast by Channels TV where they were seen speaking with the actor who said he is alive and in fact preparing to go to Ikoyi Club this evening.

Entertainment

Olamide Reacts As Troll Questions His Impact In Afrobeats

Published

5 days ago

June 30, 2024

Editor

Renowned rapper Olamide responded to a troll who questioned his contribution to the Afrobeat genre and his lack of significant achievements.

Rather than taking offensc, Olamide chose a compassionate approach, praying for the troll’s healing and sending him love and blessings.

“Why haven’t you achieved anything useful for Afrobeats yet?”, the troll wrote

Olamide prayed for him to find healing and sent him God’s love.

“I pray you find healing. Sending you loads of God’s love”, Olamide wrote.

Entertainment

VIDEO: Funeral Rites For Late Nollywood Actor Mr Ibu Begin In Enugu

Published

1 week ago

June 28, 2024

Editor

The late Nollywood actor, John Okafor, popularly known as Mr. Ibu, will be laid to rest on Friday, June 28, in his hometown of Amuri, Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State.

Videos circulating on social media on Friday reveal the arrival of his body as family, friends, and colleagues gather to bid him a final farewell.

A night of tribute was held in his honour on Wednesday, in Enugu State, with fellow actors Charles Anwurum and Victor Osuagwu, among those who paid their last respects.

Earlier this month, The PUNCH reported that the Actors Guild of Nigeria held a candlelight procession to pay tribute to Mr. Ibu and other deceased actors at Unity Fountain in Abuja.

A novelty football match was also organised by Rangers International Football Club and celebrities, among others, to honour Mr. Ibu.

The actor died on March 2, 2024, after a prolonged sickness.

In October 2023, Mr. Ibu revealed his struggle with diabetes. A month later, his leg was amputated after enduring seven surgeries.

Watch videos here

Video: Funeral rites for late Nollywood actor Mr Ibu begin in Enugu
Late Nollywood actor, John Okafor, popularly known as Mr. Ibu, will be laid to rest in his hometown of Amuri, Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State on Friday, June 28.
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— Vanguard Newspapers (@vanguardngrnews) June 28, 2024