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Drake Claimed Ownership of Iconic Rap Jewelry

The rapper showcased pieces once owned by Pharrell Williams and 2Pac during a recent livestream.

Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Hip-Hop and Rap

Ornate diamond-encrusted custom hip-hop chains and pendants arranged on dark velvet, illuminated by a dramatic spotlight.
Drake confirmed his ownership of legendary hip-hop memorabilia, including pieces formerly held by Pharrell Williams and 2Pac, during a recent livestream. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Drake recently used a Kick livestream to discuss his extensive collection of high-profile music memorabilia, including jewelry formerly owned by Pharrell Williams and 2Pac. The rapper has previously faced rumors regarding the fate of these items after claiming in the song Meltdown that he had melted down certain acquired chains.

Why it matters

The disclosure highlights the trend of high-profile hip-hop artists acquiring and archiving cultural artifacts from previous generations. By securing jewelry worn by industry icons, Drake has integrated elements of rap history into his own public persona and artistic projects.

Drake purchased nearly $3 million worth of jewelry formerly owned by Pharrell Williams in 2022. Additionally, the Rolex GMT-Master II featured on the cover of his 2011 album Take Care was listed for sale in 2026.

The players

Drake

A Canadian rapper and songwriter who has become one of the most commercially successful artists in the history of hip-hop music.

Pharrell Williams

An influential record producer, rapper, and fashion designer who is a central figure in modern popular music and culture.

2Pac

A legendary rapper and actor whose work remains a touchstone for hip-hop culture decades after his death.

Eric Wind

A horological expert and collector who presents high-end vintage items like the pieces in the Baden Baden Jewelry Collection.

The details

Drake displayed a Cash Money Records chain during his livestream, confirming his possession of various pieces within the broader Baden Baden Jewelry Collection presented by Eric Wind. He notably showcased several of these acquired items in the music video for his track Jumbotron Shit Poppin.

Timeline

  1. Pharrell Williams owned several pieces of jewelry during the 2000s.

  2. Drake released the album Take Care in 2011.

  3. Drake purchased jewelry from Pharrell Williams at auction in 2022.

  4. The Rolex GMT-Master II from the Take Care cover went on sale in 2026.

  5. Drake discussed his jewelry collection during a Kick livestream in September 2026.

Industry Dynamics

Drake's recent exhibition of archival jewelry reflects a growing trend of musicians acquiring and reclaiming historical rap artifacts through private collections and high-profile auctions. This move aligns with broader shifts in the entertainment industry where cultural capital is increasingly tied to the physical ownership of genre-defining memorabilia.

Fans can view these historical artifacts directly through Drake's music videos and appearances on streaming platforms like Kick. The secondary market status of these items suggests that high-end music memorabilia will continue to move between private collectors and public viewings.

The takeaway

The acquisition of legendary jewelry serves as a bridge between rap generations, grounding contemporary success in the iconography of predecessors. Collectors and fans alike should note that even historical artifacts remain subject to market liquidation and public resale cycles.

Further reading

Explore more developments in Hip-Hop and Rap for additional context on current industry trends.

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Do you believe it is acceptable to purchase and melt down historical cultural artifacts?