Sotheby’s is hosting the first-ever Hip-Hop auction today in New York. Have you ever wanted to take home a piece of Hip-Hop history? Have an extra couple of thousands of dollars lying around? One of the world’s most recognized dealers of fine arts and collectibles is reaching into the pocketbook of the culture.
Everything from The Notorious B.I.G’s crown, to Salt-N-Pepa’s “Push It” jackets are for sale. The auction was curated and organized by Cassandra Hatton in collaboration with Monica Lynch, former president of Tommy Boy Records. Lynch helped launch the careers of Queen Latifah, De La Soul, and Naughty by Nature, among many others.
The crown, worn by Biggie when photographed as the king of new york, 1997. (Image credit: Sotheby’s)
Sotheby’s is honored to announce an auction celebrating the history and cultural impact of Hip Hop. The first-ever dedicated Hip Hop auction to be presented at a major international auction house. The sale reflects on the impact Hip Hop has had on art and culture from the late 1970s through the “Golden Age” of the mid-1980s to mid-1990s, and up to the present.
Auction Overview, Taken from Sotheby’s
Portions of the money collected by Sotheby’s will benefit the Queens Public Library Foundation. The money will support Hip Hop Programs available at Queens Public Library. Funds will also benefit Building Beats, a non-profit community organization educating underserved youth through music.
An archive of 22 love letters from Shakur to a high school sweetheart, 1987-88 | (Image credit: Sotheby’s)
Items are available in different lots and range in price from an estimated $3,000 to $300,000. The highest ticket item is the plastic crown Biggie Smalls wore in one of his final photoshoots before his untimely death.
For a complete list of all of the items available for sale, and to place your own bid, visit the auction page.
