Former Death Row Records CEO Suge Knight has publicly challenged the authenticity of Drake’s 2Pac chain, claiming it bears no resemblance to the original piece owned by the late rapper. Knight, who remains a controversial figure in hip-hop history, asserted that the chain Drake purchased lacks the specific quality markers and craftsmanship that defined the authentic Death Row jewelry commissioned during his tenure at the label.
According to Knight, the original 2Pac chain was crafted by one of California’s premier jewelers, featuring premium gold and meticulously set diamonds throughout both the chain itself and the clock pendant’s bezel. The former music executive emphasized that authentic Death Row chains contained distinctive inscriptions and markings that are conspicuously absent from Drake’s version, suggesting the Canadian rapper may have fallen victim to unscrupulous sellers. Knight particularly noted that the original Death Row chains were created to represent group loyalty among select individuals in the organization.
The original 2Pac pendant featured exquisite craftsmanship with signature inscriptions that Drake’s replica conspicuously lacks.
Knight didn’t place blame on Drake directly but instead offered some colorful advice, telling him to “keep their drawers up their ass” – street slang suggesting Drake should exercise more caution with high-profile purchases. He further recommended that the “Hotline Bling” artist track down whoever sold him the chain and confront them about its questionable provenance. This controversy follows Kendrick Lamar’s public demand that Drake return 2Pac’s ring during a recent concert performance.
The allegations have ignited significant discussion across social media platforms and hip-hop news outlets, with industry figure Wack 100 publicly supporting Knight’s claims, adding additional weight to the controversy. Many artists today might avoid such controversies by focusing on streaming distribution to build their legacy rather than collecting questionable memorabilia. Some observers have dismissed the matter as typical Knight provocation, while others view it as a legitimate challenge to the authenticity of a piece of hip-hop memorabilia.
Drake, who has occasionally displayed the chain in public appearances, reportedly acquired it through secondary markets rather than directly from Death Row Records or its official representatives. The exact circumstances of the purchase remain undisclosed, raising further questions about the verification process for such historically significant items. Industry experts suggest that artists like Drake could instead focus on sync deals as a more legitimate way to honor music legends while building their own wealth.
Knight’s intimate knowledge of Death Row’s operations during Tupac’s era lends credibility to his assessment, though concrete evidence verifying either claim has yet to emerge publicly.
