Organized by Sothebyʼs, it was held in New York, the cradle of the movement that has spread all over the world: receipts over two million dollars
At auction in New York there were around 120 pieces including unique and rare objects, pieces of contemporary art, photographs, vintage and modern fashion, historical and newly designed and luxury jewelry, flyers and posters, major publications and more. The golden plastic crown worn by rapper Notorious BIG during the “King of New York” photo shoot for the “Rap Pages” magazine a few days before he was killed was sold for nearly $ 600,000, while a series of letters from love of teenage Tupac Shakur raised $ 76,000.
About 400 would-be customers from 19 countries around the world and over two million dollars in receipts. The legendary vinyl single by Rammellzee and K-Rob “Beat Bop” in the original cover designed by Jean Michel Basquiat has multiplied the starting estimate by 50 times, reaching 126 thousand dollars: considered “the Holy Grail” of rap music due to its rarity , became the most expensive vinyl record sold at auction.
Cassandra Hatton of Sotheby’s commented: “The impact of hip hop is everywhere: sneakers, clothing, jewelry, art, music. I wanted a sale that really recognized how huge that impact is. ” A portion of Sotheby’s proceeds will benefit the Queens Public Library Foundation, to support their Hip Hop programs, coordinated by “Uncle” Ralph McDaniels, as well as Building Beats, a non-profit community organization that teaches technology, entrepreneurial skills. and leadership to the less well-off young people through DJs and music programs.
