eBay is a world of its own. You can find some of the most obscure items hidden within the auction-based website. In 1995, Iranian-French computer programmer Pierre Omidyar created a website where people could initiate personal auctions. At first, he auctioned off a broken laser pointer, which someone purchased. Omidyar was shocked that anyone would buy a broken product, but the winning bidder stated that he collected broken laser pointers. That’s how a billion-dollar business begins. Since its inception, collectors have been using eBay to auction off some of the world’s rarest items (and also some of the most unimaginative). Just a month ago, the infamous Wu-Tang Clan album Once Upon A Time In Shaolin was auctioned off by Martin Shkreli on eBay for a million dollars. If you dive deeper into eBay’s endless content, much more interesting hip-hop relics can be purchased.
At first glance, the hip-hop items that are up for grabs are mostly articles of clothing that some sweaty rapper threw into the audience. Or, do you remember last year when a bag of air from Kobe’s last game was auctioned off on eBay? The bids reached $15,000 before it was shut down. Vintage concert tickets and posters are also a top seller on eBay. Music fans love to collect relics of the past, a piece of history that can never be duplicated. Even hip-hop fashion attracts millions of eBay users. Resales of Kanye West’s Yeezy sneakers, which retail for between $250-$350, have reached auction prices of $50,000. Authenticated signatures and bizarre second-use items have also sold for exorbitant amounts. Ellen DeGeneres auctioned off clippings of Justin Bieber’s hair for over $40,000. Pharrell’s famous brown fedora, which he wore at the 2014 Grammys, went for $44,100!
Currently, there are some gems floating around on eBay, if you have the bank to afford them. Here is a list of the best hip-hop relics for sale on eBay right now.
Tupac's Rap Book's Back Cover
The back half of a book cover that was written in by Tupac is being auctioned off for a cool $20,000 on eBay. The seller claims that the book cover is PSA/DNA Authenticated, and that 'Pac used it back in the late 80s and early 90s. The back half only has a small saying written on the back, “Rock Rhymes 4 Living,” with an eye drawn above it.
Worth the price tag or nah?
Link: Tupac's Rap Book
Authentic Autographed RUN DMC T-Shirt
A t-shirt autographed by Run DMC is currently going for $8,000 on eBay. The seller claims that it has never been worn or washed, which is hard to believe. The signatures are sprawled across the top of the shirt, which also features a black and white Run DMC logo. The vintage shirt is labeled “It’s Like That,” which was the debut single by the group released in 1983.
Worth it or nah? You tell us.
Link: Signed RUN DMC T-Shirt
Goodie Mob "Still Standing" RIAA Gold Record Plaque Award
Big Gipp, Cee-Lo, T-Mo, and Khujo combined to create Goodie Mob. The Dungeon Family affiliated group members are legends in southern hip-hop, and pioneers in the game. Their second album, Still Standing, was awarded a gold plaque by the RIAA. The official plaque, given to artists for unit sales of 500,000, is being auctioned off on eBay for a starting bid of $895.
Would you pay that much for this vintage hip-hop artifact?
Link: Goodie Mob "Still Standing"
Death Row Records RIAA 11x Platinum Plaque Award
The RIAA awarded Death Row Records a multi-album plaque for the success of several of their artists. Doggystyle by Snoop Dogg, The Chronic by Dr. Dre, the Above The Rim Soundtrack, and Murder Was The Case are the four albums included in this framed RIAA plaque. On the seller's post, a picture of Tupac with the plaque is on display. Combined, the four albums sold over 11,000,000 copies. The plaque is going for $25,000 on eBay.
Who has pockets deep enough to shell out $25k on a plaque?
Link: Death Row 11x Platinum Plaque
Autographed Eminem Memorabilia
Eminem is the best-selling rapper of all time. A collection of signed Eminem memorabilia is being sold on eBay for $6,800. This bundle includes: a signed Relapse poster, signed MMLP2 poster, signed G-Shock, signed The Eminem Show poster, signed Eminem lithograph, signed “Lose Yourself” lyric canvas, signed brick from his old house, various unsigned CDs, and two cassettes unopened (The Eminem Show and MMLP re-release).
Would you pay that much if your pockets could afford it?
Link: Signed Eminem Memorabilia
Life Size Bronze Tupac Bust
Tupac memorabilia is by far the most popular category in eBay’s hip-hop collectible category. That's probably because the young philosopher died at the peak of his success. Currently being sold for $7,000 on eBay, this one-of-kind bronze life-size bust of Tupac was made in 2004 by artist Joan Banks. It includes a replica of ‘Pac’s Death Row Records chain.
Creepy or realistic? We'll let you decide.
Link: Bronze Tupac Bust
Custom P. Diddy Autographed GUESS? Denim Jacket
P. Diddy has always had his hands in the fashion industry. This GUESS? denim jacket was "custom designed, embellished and autographed" by Puff Daddy himself and is currently going for $2,500 on eBay. The jacket helped raise $7,500 at the Barbara Davis Carousel of Hope Fundraiser. Sloppily written in black permanent marker along the upper back of the jacket is “God Bless Luv & Peace. P.Diddy.”
Link: P. Diddy Signed GUESS? Denim Jacket
"Kanye Loves Kanye" Print Signed By Artist
"Kanye Loves Kanye" is a piece painted by Australian artist Scott Marsh. The original was painted on a wall in Chippendale, a neighborhood in Sydney. The seller states that “soon after it was painted, Marsh was contacted by someone claiming to be from the singer's management offering him a "pretty decent chunk of money" to paint over the wall. Marsh responded by asking for a six-figure payment and a lifetime supply of West's signature Yeezy Boost sneakers. He also released a one-off buffed print edition of the mural for $100,000 saying "if [Kanye] buys that print then I'll paint over the mural." This original print of the controversial painting is signed by Scott Marsh and being sold on eBay for $2,124.99.
What you think?
Link: "Kanye Loves Kanye"
Michael Jackson Signed Picture
Michael Jackson is one of the greatest artists of all time. He may not be a rapper himself, but his influence on hip-hop is unquestionable. Hits such as Nas’ “It Ain’t Hard To Tell,” Kanye’s “Good Life,” Kendrick’s “King Kunta,” and Rihanna’s “Don’t Stop The Music,” all sample the King of Pop. This autographed and framed MJ photo is currently going for $789.80 on eBay.
Link: MJ Signed Photo
Official DJ Clue? 'The Professional' RIAA Certified Platinum Plaque Award
In the late 90s and early 00s DJ Clue was one of the hottest DJ’s in hip-hop. The Professional was his highly anticipated, and critically acclaimed, debut studio album. Released in the fourth quarter of 1998, the album features P. Diddy, DMX, Nas, Jay-Z, Ja Rule, Missy Elliott, Jermaine Dupri, Eve, and many others. This RIAA certified platinum plaque is currently going for $600 on eBay.
Would you cop this piece of hip-hop history?
Link: The Professional
Nike Air Yeezy 1 worn by Kanye West
Do you remember when Kanye West performed "Hey Mama" during the 2008 Grammy Awards wearing these prototypes? His mother had passed away the year before due to complications with cosmetic surgery, and the performance was immensely emotional. This pair was originally auctioned off by Instyleshoes.com in 08, and can now be purchased on eBay for $50,000.
Yay or nay?
Link: Nike Air Yeezy 1
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