2Pac’s Brother Slams Drake Over Controversial Death Row Chain Purchase
The recent acquisition by Drake of a gold chain purportedly belonging to the late Tupac Shakur, known as 2Pac, has sparked a firestorm of controversy, with the rapper’s brother, Mopreme Shakur, publicly criticizing the move. The Death Row pendant, famously worn by 2Pac for the cover of his 1996 album All Eyez On Me, carries deep sentimental and cultural significance, but its authenticity and Drake’s motives have come under scrutiny. Mopreme’s remarks, coupled with allegations from 2Pac’s former label boss Suge Knight, suggest that Drake’s purchase may have unwittingly reignited old tensions within 2Pac’s inner circle, leaving fans questioning whether the Canadian star stumbled into a decades-old feud or knowingly stirred the pot.
In an interview posted by Loren Lorosa on September 2, 2025, Mopreme Shakur expressed frustration over Drake’s acquisition of the chain, which he believes should have remained with 2Pac’s family. “My man need to think more about his moves,” Mopreme said, referencing Drake’s recent comments in London praising UK rappers over their American counterparts. “So why are you so seeking after the King of Raps’ jewels, literal jewels?” Mopreme’s critique wasn’t just about the chain; he emphasized that 2Pac’s possessions hold emotional weight for the family, stating, “I think the family should have all of ‘Pac’s things, personally. But things don’t always work out that way.” While clarifying he wasn’t seeking conflict, Mopreme’s comments reflect a deep sense of loss over his brother’s legacy being commodified.
Drake’s fascination with 2Pac’s artifacts isn’t new. In 2023, he reportedly spent over $1 million at a Sotheby’s auction to acquire a crown-shaped ring adorned with gold, rubies, and diamonds, once worn by the rap legend. The ring became a focal point during Drake’s high-profile feud with Kendrick Lamar last year. More recently, Drake showcased the Death Row chain on Instagram, displaying both sides of the gold pendant, which bears the engraving “All eyez on YOU 1996.” Purchased from collector Alexander Bitar, the chain’s authenticity was quickly challenged by Suge Knight, who claimed it was a fake. Knight, speaking to The Art of Dialogue last month, asserted that he gave 2Pac the chain in 1995 after his release from jail, insisting it had no engraving at the time. “That’s not a Death Row chain,” Knight declared, urging Drake to “go beat his muthaf**kin’ ass” for being misled.
The controversy has cast a shadow over Drake’s purchase, raising questions about whether he was aware of the chain’s disputed provenance. Knight suggested Drake’s admiration for 2Pac is genuine, but the allegations of fraud have fueled speculation about whether the rapper was duped or deliberately courted controversy to align himself with 2Pac’s legacy. Neither Drake nor Bitar has responded to Knight’s claims, leaving the authenticity debate unresolved. For fans, the saga underscores the enduring reverence for 2Pac, whose possessions remain potent symbols of his influence nearly three decades after his death.
Mopreme’s public rebuke and Knight’s accusations hint at deeper, unresolved tensions within 2Pac’s circle, with the chain serving as a flashpoint. For Drake, the purchase was likely intended as a tribute to a rap icon, but it has instead drawn him into a complex web of legacy, authenticity, and family sentiment. As the debate rages on, fans are left pondering whether Drake’s actions were an innocent misstep or a calculated move to claim a piece of 2Pac’s storied history. What’s clear is that 2Pac’s legacy continues to spark passion and controversy, proving his impact remains as powerful as ever.
