In a fiery rebuke that has reignited debates about legacy, authenticity, and respect in hip-hop, Mopreme Shakur, the stepbrother of the late rap legend Tupac Shakur, has publicly criticized Canadian rapper Drake for his recent acquisition of a Death Row Records chain purportedly owned by Tupac. The controversy, which erupted in August 2025, centers on Drake’s purchase of the iconic pendant, a move that has sparked heated discussions within the hip-hop community about the rightful ownership of cultural artifacts and the motives behind Drake’s growing collection of Tupac’s memorabilia. Mopreme’s comments, delivered during an interview on The Latest podcast with Loren Lorosa, underscore the emotional weight of Tupac’s legacy and raise questions about the commercialization of a slain artist’s possessions.

The Purchase That Sparked Outrage

On August 23, 2025, Drake took to Instagram to showcase a diamond-encrusted Death Row Records pendant, widely believed to have belonged to Tupac Shakur during his time with the legendary West Coast label. The pendant, featuring the Death Row logo and an engraving referencing Tupac’s seminal 1996 album All Eyez on Me, was acquired from collector Alexander Bitar for an undisclosed sum, though estimates suggest it could be worth between $500,000 and $1 million. The post included a carousel of images, one of which featured the album’s iconic cover art, signaling Drake’s intent to tie the purchase to Tupac’s storied career. For Drake, a known collector of hip-hop memorabilia, the acquisition was another addition to his trove of artifacts, which includes Tupac’s $1 million crown ring purchased at a Sotheby’s auction in 2023.

However, the purchase quickly drew scrutiny. Mopreme Shakur, a rapper and former member of Tupac’s groups Thug Life and Outlawz, expressed his dismay during the podcast interview. “My man need to think more about his moves,” Mopreme said, questioning Drake’s motives for seeking out Tupac’s jewelry. He pointed to a recent interview in London where Drake praised British rappers, claiming, “London got the best rappers. London rappers are better than American rappers.” Mopreme’s frustration was palpable as he asked, “So why are you so seeking after the king of rap’s jewels, literal jewels? If England has the best rappers, why are you doing this?” For Mopreme, the issue transcends the purchase itself—it’s about the deeper implications of a non-family member owning pieces of Tupac’s legacy.

The Authenticity Debate

Adding fuel to the controversy, questions about the chain’s authenticity have swirled within the hip-hop community. Former Death Row Records CEO Marion “Suge” Knight, speaking from prison in an interview with The Art of Dialogue, emphatically disputed the pendant’s legitimacy. “That’s not 2Pac’s chain. It’s not a Death Row chain,” Knight declared, asserting that he was the sole authority on distributing the label’s iconic pendants. According to Knight, only a handful of authentic Death Row chains were ever made, with Tupac receiving his in November 1995 after his release from prison. Knight claimed that Tupac’s chain was unique, covered in diamonds with no engravings on the back, unlike the one Drake purchased, which features an inscription. “Whoever sold you that chain, Drake, you need to go beat his a**,” Knight added, suggesting that Drake may have been misled by the seller.

Other voices in the hip-hop world echoed Knight’s skepticism. Wack 100, a music manager and prominent industry figure, called into DJ Akademiks’ show to argue that the chain’s design and engravings did not match the original. Social media accounts, including the Instagram page @bomb1stcom, further amplified the debate, posting, “Sorry to be the bearer of bad news @champagnepapi, but you need to go back to that guy’s business and get your money back. Easy to research and see the difference for yourself.” The post highlighted discrepancies in the chain’s lettering, bail loop, and stone settings. Former Death Row head of security Reggie Wright Jr. also weighed in, suggesting that Tupac owned multiple pendants with slight variations but emphasizing that the chain’s provenance remains murky.

In response, Alexander Bitar, the collector who sold the pendant to Drake, defended its authenticity. “Tupac owned multiple Death Row Records pendants—while the exact number is unknown, it was certainly not very large,” Bitar stated. He pointed to photographic evidence showing Tupac wearing pendants with minor differences, arguing that these variations account for the discrepancies noted by critics. Despite Bitar’s claims, the debate has only intensified, with fans and industry insiders split between those who view Drake’s purchase as a tribute and those who see it as an opportunistic grab for clout.

Tupac’s Legacy and Family Sentiment

For Mopreme Shakur and Tupac’s family, the controversy is deeply personal. “I think the family should have all of ‘Pac’s things, personally,” Mopreme said, reflecting a sentiment shared by many of Tupac’s loved ones. The Shakur family has long fought to preserve Tupac’s legacy, from his music to his personal belongings, viewing them as sacred artifacts of a man whose influence continues to resonate nearly three decades after his death. Tupac’s sister, Sekyiwa “Set” Shakur, has been particularly vocal about protecting her brother’s legacy, speaking at his 2023 Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony about the family’s pride in his contributions to music and culture.

Tupac Shakur, born in 1971, was a revolutionary figure in hip-hop, known for his raw lyricism, social commentary, and charismatic presence. His albums, including Me Against the World and All Eyez on Me, addressed issues like systemic racism, poverty, and violence, cementing his status as a voice for the marginalized. His jewelry, often imbued with personal and cultural significance, was more than mere adornment—it was a reflection of his identity as a self-proclaimed “Black prince,” inspired by his reading of Niccolò Machiavelli’s The Prince and his mother Afeni Shakur’s teachings. The Death Row chain, in particular, symbolized his allegiance to the label that propelled him to superstardom and was reportedly involved in events leading up to his 1996 murder, when it was allegedly snatched in a prior altercation.

The family’s frustration is compounded by the commercialization of Tupac’s belongings. In 2023, Drake’s purchase of Tupac’s crown ring—a gold, ruby, and diamond piece inscribed with “Pac & Dada 1996” in reference to his engagement to Kidada Jones—drew similar criticism. The ring, sold for $1.01 million at Sotheby’s, was seen by some as a rightful tribute by a fan, but others, including Kendrick Lamar, argued it belonged with the Shakur family. Lamar referenced the purchase in his 2024 diss track “Euphoria,” rapping, “I’d rather do that than let a Canadian n***a make Pac turn in his grave,” highlighting the West Coast’s protective stance over Tupac’s legacy.

Drake’s Complicated Relationship with Tupac’s Legacy

Drake’s fascination with Tupac is well-documented. The Toronto rapper has openly expressed admiration for the late icon, citing him as his most-listened-to artist in 2022 and incorporating Tupac’s music into his personal life—reportedly, the toilets in his home play “Hit ‘Em Up” when approached. His collection of Tupac memorabilia extends beyond the Death Row chain and crown ring, including a $600,000 Jesus piece by Jason of Beverly Hills inspired by Tupac. However, Drake’s actions have drawn criticism, particularly his use of an AI-generated Tupac voice in his 2024 diss track “Taylor Made Freestyle” aimed at Kendrick Lamar. The move prompted a cease-and-desist from Tupac’s estate, which called it “an insult” to his legacy, and further alienated West Coast artists and fans.

Drake’s defenders argue that his purchases are a form of homage, reflecting his deep appreciation for hip-hop’s pioneers. His jewelry collection, valued at over $14 million, includes pieces from other legends like Pharrell Williams and Frank Ocean, suggesting a broader passion for the culture’s artifacts. Yet, critics like Mopreme see a disconnect between Drake’s actions and his public statements, particularly his praise for non-American rappers while collecting symbols of West Coast hip-hop’s golden era.

The Broader Implications

The controversy surrounding Drake’s purchase touches on larger issues in hip-hop: the commodification of cultural artifacts, the tension between reverence and exploitation, and the ongoing East Coast-West Coast divide. Tupac’s jewelry, like his music, carries immense cultural weight, representing not just his personal story but the broader struggles of the 1990s hip-hop scene. For many fans, the idea of such items being bought and sold on the open market—especially by someone perceived as an outsider to Tupac’s world—feels like a betrayal of his legacy.

As the debate rages on, Mopreme Shakur’s words resonate as a call for respect and accountability. “Things don’t always work out that way,” he acknowledged, recognizing the reality of Tupac’s belongings being scattered across auctions and private collections. Yet, his plea for the family to retain control of these artifacts underscores the enduring pain of losing not just a brother but a cultural icon whose influence continues to shape hip-hop today.