In a development rippling through the hip-hop world, former Death Row Records CEO Suge Knight has publicly declared that a recently acquired Death Row Records pendant now in Drake’s possession is a counterfeit. The claim, first reported by Miami’s Y100 radio station, has ignited a fervent debate over the authenticity of the iconic piece of music memorabilia.
Drake’s Latest Hip-Hop Acquisition
Earlier this week, on August 24, 2025, global superstar Drake took to Instagram to showcase what appeared to be Tupac Shakur’s original Death Row Records chain. The pendant, described as diamond-encrusted, features the unmistakable Death Row Records logo—a silhouette of a man in an electric chair—on its front. The back of the pendant carries an engraving that reads “All eyez on YOU 1996,” referencing Tupac’s seminal 1996 album, All Eyez On Me. Drake accompanied the post with images that included an outtake from the album’s cover shoot, further cementing the connection. This acquisition marks Drake’s second significant purchase of Tupac Shakur memorabilia, following his acquisition of the rapper’s gold, ruby, and diamond crown ring for over $1 million in 2023. The ring, worn by Tupac during his final public appearance at the 1996 MTV Video Music Awards, is engraved with “Pac and Dada 1996,” a nod to his then-fiancée Kidada Jones. The purchase of such historically significant items underscores Drake’s deep appreciation for hip-hop’s legacy.
Suge Knight’s Accusation and Rationale
However, the celebratory unveiling of the pendant was quickly overshadowed by a sharp critique from Suge Knight, the once-powerful co-founder of Death Row Records. Speaking from prison in an interview with “The Art of Dialogue,” which was subsequently reported by various outlets including BET and Hot 97 on August 27, 2025, Knight asserted his disbelief in the pendant’s authenticity. Knight contends that he was the sole authorized distributor of official Death Row chains during the label’s 1990s heyday. He explained that when Tupac was released from jail in 1995, he gifted his own distinctive, diamond-covered Death Row chain to the rapper. Knight claims this original piece was adorned with diamonds on both the chain and the bezel, and crucially, had no engravings on the back. The presence of the “All eyez on YOU 1996” engraving on the pendant Drake acquired, according to Knight, strongly suggests it is not the original piece. “Whoever sold you that chain, Drake, you need to go beat his motherfu*ing ass,” Knight stated, though he expressed belief that Drake himself was likely duped rather than complicit, acknowledging the rapper’s admiration for Tupac.
Collector’s Defense and Industry Context
Countering Knight’s claims, Alexander Bitar, the artifact collector who sold the pendant to Drake, maintained its authenticity in a statement to XXL Magazine on August 25, 2025. Bitar explained that Tupac owned multiple Death Row Records pendants, and while the exact number is unknown, subtle variations in design, such as stone settings or the bail, were common. He emphasized that photographic evidence supports the existence of pendants with such minor distinctions, suggesting that Drake’s piece aligns with the overall design of authentic items. The Death Row Records chain itself is more than just jewelry; it has been described as a symbol that practically became gang insignia, representing the label’s gangsta rap lifestyle and becoming a potent emblem of the era.
The Enduring Legacy of Death Row Records
Death Row Records, founded in 1991 by Suge Knight, Dr. Dre, The D.O.C., and others, was instrumental in shaping West Coast hip-hop, producing multi-platinum albums by artists like Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, and Tupac Shakur. Despite its eventual decline due to legal issues and the loss of its star artists, the label’s cultural impact remains profound. In recent years, Snoop Dogg acquired the iconic Death Row brand, signaling an intent to revive its legacy. The ongoing interest in artifacts like the Death Row chain highlights the enduring power of Tupac Shakur’s influence and the historical weight carried by the music and symbols associated with the label. This news, originating from a prominent Miami music station, underscores the continuous fascination with hip-hop’s foundational era and its legendary figures.
An Unresolved Controversy
As the music industry buzzes with Suge Knight’s strong assertion and Alexander Bitar’s defense, Drake has yet to issue a direct response to the authenticity debate surrounding the Death Row pendant. The situation leaves fans and collectors to ponder the provenance of this significant piece of hip-hop history, caught between conflicting accounts from those deeply intertwined with the label’s past and the current custodians of its legacy. The question of whether Drake is wearing an authentic artifact or a convincing replica remains a focal point in the continuing narrative of hip-hop’s most legendary figures and their enduring symbols.
