Tupac Shakur is a legendary rapper who left us too soon according to fans. However, when it comes to those who have fallen in charge of his estate and likeness, Pac continues to bring in money every year despite being gone over 27 years now. How is it that Tupac continues to bring in so much cash, and who is benefiting from it?
Tupac recorded a ton of music prior to his passing in 1996. He releases four albums while still alive, including the classics Me Against The World and All Eyez On Me. Since his passing, six albums have been released, two more than he dropped Living. These albums were released through Interscope Records, making the label heads there tons of money. In addition to albums released in his name, there have also been books, a clothing line, movies, and more geared toward helping people get rich off his legacy.
The label also profited off a live performance film they released in 2005 and an “interactive biography” that featured poems, family photos, and more. The most famous use of Tupac Shakur’s likeness to make money was at the 2012 Coachella Festival, where they premiered a hologram of the West Coast legend. The whole thing took place during a set by Snoop Dogg and featured a hologram that looked just like Tupac. Fans were stunned at its likeness.
It is not just the labels making millions on Tupac; fans and people close to him are too. One search of “Tupac memorabilia” yields thousands of results. Some sites are selling posters and figurines of the rap legend, including bobbleheads and action figures. There are other sites looking for people with autographs from the star and willing to pay thousands for them. One website reports that “an original Tupac Shakur autograph, on a letter from 1995, sold for almost $10,000.”
Three years ago, a video was published discussing the highest prices people have paid for Tupac memorabilia. Tupac’s first record contract from 1991 with record label TNT was auctioned off for $8,000 and featured his signature three times. A Dolce and Gabbana jacket he was frequently seen wearing in the ’90s was sold for $8k after his passing. A gold Death Row chain he wore in his lifetime was eventually sold for big bucks, too, thanks to it being featured on his album covers. The chain was estimated to be around $7k but was auctioned for $15k.
The latest person looking to cash in on some Tupac craze is an ex-girlfriend who allegedly has intimate images of the late rapper. While Pac posed partially clothed for David LaChapelle, this woman claims she has the full monty and is willing to sell these photos for the right price. It is rumored that Pac liked to flash people and that this particular picture was taken at a house party in 1990.
The woman selling the photo has an edited version of it up on an auction site with other pictures from the evening proving it is Pac’s. She is asking for $7,500. The auction is reportedly closed and it is unclear if she ever made money off the pictures.
Author: Bunmi Johnson
New York, USA
olu20@hotmail.com
