What is Kendrick Lamar’s Reason for Wanting Drake to Give Back Tupac’s Ring?

Kendrick Lamar Takes Aim at Drake During Sold-Out Show

When Kendrick Lamar took the stage at the Kia Forum in Inglewood, Calif., on Juneteenth, he didn’t hold back. Performing his track “Euphoria,” released during his feud with Drake, Lamar added a new lyric that sent shockwaves through the internet: “Give me Tupac ring back and maybe I’ll give you a little respect.”

This performance marked Lamar’s first since his dispute with Drake escalated into a series of diss tracks. Titled “The Pop Out: Ken & Friends,” the show featured appearances by West Coast artists like Dr. Dre, YG, Tyler, the Creator, and more, celebrating the next generation of musicians from the region after Tupac Shakur.

The mention of Tupac’s iconic ring, purchased by Drake in 2023 for $1.01 million, highlighted Lamar’s questioning of Drake’s authenticity and status in the hip-hop community. According to author Vikki Tobak, jewelry holds significant meaning in hip-hop culture, symbolizing allegiance and brotherhood.

Tobak explained, “By saying, ‘give me the ring,’ he means ‘me’ in a bigger sense. ‘Me’ as in hip-hop, the real hip-hop. ‘Me,’ the real legacy of what Tupac stands for.”

The controversy raises questions about the ownership and placement of hip-hop artifacts. Tobak’s exhibition of hip-hop jewelry at New York’s Museum of Natural History aims to keep these pieces accessible to the communities they represent, despite Drake’s acquisitions of items like Pharrell Williams’s early jewelry.

Lamar’s performance was a tribute to West Coast hip-hop culture, with speculation that even his outfit mirrored Tupac’s iconic style. The show ended with Lamar bringing out a diverse group of Los Angeles figures and gang members, emphasizing unity and peace.

As Lamar left the stage, he promised, “I promise this won’t be the last you see of us,” leaving fans eagerly anticipating his next move in the ongoing hip-hop saga.