Audio By Carbonatix
The plastic gold colored crown that American rapper Notorious B.I.G wore on the last photo shoot before his death fetched $600,000 at the first-ever hip hop auction held by an international house, Sotheby’s said on Wednesday.
The auction was a celebration of the history and cultural impact hip-hop has had on art and culture from the late 1970s through mid-1990s, and up to the present, Sotheby’s said.
After highlighting sneakers and handbags in recent years, Sotheby’s in New York dedicated its September auction to hip-hop culture, featuring some 120 lots that included boomboxes, photos of Snoop Dogg and Louis Vuitton luggage.
The auction house has said it was the first auction staged by an international house anywhere devoted entirely to hip-hop.
The signed crown, which was just a plastic prop from a party shop, worn by the rapper in the 1997 “King of New York” photograph was offered on sale for the first time, and was expected to fetch $200,000 -$300,000 at the Sept. 15 auction, Sotheby’s had said earlier.
The New York rapper, also known as Biggie Smalls, was shot dead in Los Angeles at the age of 24 three days after the photo shoot as part of a feud between east and west coast rappers that also took the life of Tupac Shakur, 25, in 1996. Both crimes remain unsolved.

In the auction, a series of 22 love letters written by a 16-year-old Shakur to his high school sweetheart Kathy Loy between 1987-1988, were sold for $75,600.
The sale comprised of unique artifacts, contemporary art, photography, vintage and modern fashion, historic and newly designed jewelry and luxury items, rare ephemera including flyers and posters.
This follows the 270-year-old auction house’s recent forays into collectible sneakers, space memorabilia, pop music lyrics and designer handbags.
Latest Stories
-
Ghana’s HIV crisis: Stigma drives new infections as AIDS Commission bets on AI and six-month injectables
55 minutes -
US Supreme Court agrees to hear case challenging birthright citizenship
2 hours -
Notorious Ashaiman robber arrested in joint police operation
3 hours -
Judge sets key dates after video evidence hurdle in Nana Agradaa appeal case
3 hours -
Who are favourites to win the 2026 World Cup?
4 hours -
Galamsey crisis spiritual, not just economic; Pulpit and policy intervention needed – Prof. Frimpong-Manso
4 hours -
We will come after you – Muntaka warns online fearmongers
4 hours -
Forestry office attack: Suspected gang leader arrested, two stolen cars recovered
5 hours -
How Asamoah Gyan reacted after Ghana was paired with England, Croatia, and Panama for the 2026 World Cup
5 hours -
Ghana Armed Forces opens 2025/2026 intake for military academy
6 hours -
Prime Insight: OSP vs. Kpebu and petitions to remove EC boss to dominate discussions this Saturday
6 hours -
Multimedia’s David Andoh selected among international journalists covering PLANETech 2025 in Israel
7 hours -
Gov’t prioritising real action over slogans – Kwakye Ofosu
8 hours -
England are tough, but we can play against Ghana, Panama – Croatia coach reacts to World Cup draw
8 hours -
Togbe Afede urges Ghanaians to support made-in-Ghana products
8 hours
