Sotheby’s made history on Tuesday night with its inaugural hip-hop auction, where the iconic, jewel-encrusted crown worn by Biggie Smalls in the legendary K.O.N.Y. (King of New York) photo shoot fetched an astounding $600,000. This was far beyond its $200,000 low estimate, marking a groundbreaking moment for both the auction house and the world of hip-hop memorabilia. The crown, which was signed by Biggie and photographer Barron Claiborne, was sold alongside the famous portrait, making for an unforgettable highlight in the auction.
Cassandra Hatton, senior specialist at Sotheby’s and the driving force behind the sale, spoke to its significance, telling Art & Object, “Barron Claiborne’s photograph of Biggie wearing the crown is one of the most iconic images of Hip Hop. The crown is such a powerful symbol.”
The story behind the photo is just as legendary. Claiborne was tasked with shooting Biggie for the cover of Rap Pages, and his concept was to portray the rapper as the “King of New York.” Despite initial reservations from Puff Daddy, who worried Biggie might resemble the Burger King mascot, the image became one of the most memorable in hip-hop history. Tragically, Biggie was murdered just three days after the shoot, further cementing the portrait’s cultural significance, which was carried through his funeral procession.
Claiborne remarked that it was rare to see black individuals, particularly rappers, depicted in such a regal manner in American culture. The photograph, and the crown that symbolizes it, became a powerful representation of black excellence, forever tied to Biggie’s legacy.
Another key piece in the auction was a collection of heartfelt letters written by a teenage Tupac Shakur to his high school girlfriend. The 22 love letters, which sold for $75,600, offer a rare glimpse into Tupac’s early struggles and poetic writing style, foreshadowing the lyrical genius he would later become known for.
The auction, which featured a range of hip-hop memorabilia, contemporary art, photography, and unique experiences, raised a total of $2 million, with an impressive 91% of lots selling. The event marked a major milestone for the genre, as it blended hip-hop history with the traditional art world.
Hatton, who had envisioned this sale seven years ago, teamed up with Monica Lynch, former president of Tommy Boy Records, to bring the idea to fruition. The result was a successful, dynamic auction, which included unique items such as a 12-inch single of Beat Bop by Rammellzee vs. K-Rob with artwork by Jean-Michel Basquiat. The vinyl sold for $126,000, breaking the record for the most expensive hip-hop record ever sold at auction.
Other notable sales included Salt-N-Pepa’s iconic Push-It jackets, which fetched $23,940, and a photograph of Biggie in front of the World Trade Center by Chi Modu, which sold for $30,240—more than five times its low estimate.
Artworks also performed well, with DJ Ross One’s installation of 32 vintage boomboxes bringing in $113,400, and a limited edition sculpture by Daniel Arsham selling for $13,860. The auction even featured once-in-a-lifetime experiences, such as a private lyric writing session with Rakim, which sold for just under its estimate at $18,900.
Sotheby’s first foray into hip-hop memorabilia highlights a growing trend in the auction world, as houses expand into fashion, music, and pop culture. This follows notable sales, such as a record-breaking $615,000 for a pair of Michael Jordan’s sneakers. The success of this inaugural hip-hop auction is sure to set the stage for future sales in the genre.
A portion of the proceeds from the sale will benefit the Queens Public Library Foundation’s hip-hop programs, ensuring that the culture continues to thrive.
