The Rock & Roll Pop Culture Auction July 2019

Lot #2:

Tupac Shakur Handwritten & Signed Love Letter to Madonna from Prison

One of the most significant music artifacts to ever come to auction. This handwritten love letter from Tupac Shakur to Madonna is being offered at auction for the first time ever. This now famous, extremely personal, three-page handwritten and signed letter was written by Tupac Shakur to Madonna from prison. Tupac addressed the letter to “M”, dated it, “Jan 15 1995, 9:30 A.M.” and signed it “Always, 2PAC, Tupac Shakur” in black ink on lined paper. The deep connection between Tupac and Madonna is seen throughout the letter. He writes about their relationship in terms of race and celebrity status, and how societal norms affect their relationship, writing “I must apologize to you. Because like you said I haven’t been the kind of friend I know I am capable of being. Not because I am evil or because you weren’t worthy but at the risk of sounding over dramatic, the effects of racism make it difficult for a young black man to properly show affection for an older white woman.” He further writes about his fears about his own death, which he feared would come soon, writing, “If there is any information you can share with me regarding Jack & crew please do it could very well be a matter of live & death”. He also warns her to be safe, writing “Please be careful Madonna. Everyone is not as honorable as they seem. There are those whose hearts bleed with envy & evil. They would not hesitate to do you harm! Let my 5 bullets be proof of that!” It was less than two years later that Tupac’s worst fears came true, when he was viciously gunned down on the night of September 7, 1996 in his car in Las Vegas. Handwritten in black ballpoint pen on three pages, each measuring 8.5 x 13. From the collection of Darlene Lutz, Madonna's former fine art advisor. Very good condition. Comes with a letter of provenance from Ms. Lutz and a Gotta Have Rock & Roll™ Certificate of Authenticity.