Drake, the Toronto-born rapper known for his expansive collection of hip-hop memorabilia, has sparked a recent wave of rumors. Fans began speculating that he had purchased the infamous BMW in which Tupac Shakur was shot. A photo shared on Drake’s Instagram Stories on July 20 featured a friend posing in front of a black BMW e350, leading many to believe it was the same car involved in the 1996 drive-by shooting that killed Tupac. However, this speculation is unfounded.
The Truth Behind the BMW Rumor
Car enthusiasts and astute observers quickly debunked the rumor. The BMW in Drake’s photo is not the same model as the one Tupac was shot in. Tupac was riding in a black BMW 7-series, specifically a 1996 BMW 750iL, when he was gunned down near the Las Vegas Strip on September 7, 1996. Suge Knight was driving, and Tupac was in the passenger seat when a white Cadillac pulled alongside them and opened fire. Tupac was hit four times and died a week later on September 13, while Knight sustained minor injuries.
The actual BMW 750iL remains up for auction by Celebrity Cars Las Vegas, with an asking price of $1.75 million. Despite the factual inaccuracy, many fans were misled by the similar color of the car in Drake’s Instagram post, leading to a flurry of online comments and speculation.
Social Media Reactions
Reactions on social media ranged from skeptical to critical. One Instagram user commented, “Oh he tryna lose his Cali card. He big mad he lost 😂. #Westcoast #notlikeus.” Another wrote, “Bro thinks he can buy his way thru a beef,” while a third criticized Drake, saying, “The colonizer strikes again.” However, knowledgeable fans and observers pointed out the differences in the car’s interior and rims, debunking the claim that Drake had bought the vehicle.
The Tupac fan page @2pacunlimited addressed the confusion, advising, “Why don’t ya’ll hit up @celebritycars before assuming anything? And that looks like a 3 series to me lol…”
Drake’s Impressive Memorabilia Collection
Although Drake did not purchase the BMW, his collection of hip-hop memorabilia is still remarkable. In January, Drake showcased Pharrell’s jewelry collection in the music video for “Jumbotron Sh*t Poppin.” The collection includes iconic items like Pharrell’s multi-color N.E.R.D pendant chain, BAPE astronaut bust, N.E.R.D brain pendants, and skateboard charms. Despite claiming in Travis Scott’s “Meltdown” that he had melted down these chains, they reappeared in the “Family Matters” video.
Additionally, last summer, Drake made headlines by buying Tupac Shakur’s crown ring for a staggering $1,016,000 at a Sotheby’s auction. This purchase even became a topic in his rap feud with Kendrick Lamar, with Lamar taking a jab at Drake on the diss track “Euphoria.”
While the rumor about Drake purchasing Tupac’s BMW has been debunked, his passion for collecting significant hip-hop artifacts is undeniable. Drake continues to surprise fans with his acquisitions, maintaining his status as one of the most influential figures in the hip-hop world. As rumors swirl and controversies arise, one thing is clear: Drake’s love for hip-hop history runs deep, and his collection reflects that dedication.