TUPAC SHAKUR SPECTACULAR HANDWRITTEN AND TWICE-SIGNED PRISON WEDDING POLAROID PHOTO, 1995, (JSA & Tracks, Ltd. LOAs)
Obtained during one of the most important periods in the hip-hop legends short life
Here is an extraordinarily rare Tupac Shakur twice-signed Polaroid photograph, taken the day after Tupac married Keisha Morris. The one-of-a-kind candid photo depicts Tupac posing with his new bride in New York’s Clinton Correctional Facility (Dannemora). Tupac writes at the top, ''Keisha & TUPAC'' and across the bottom, ''2 Carmela & Anthony our inspiration to be patient & loving. UR great friends we wish u much success & happiness as we take each day with the next / 2PAC''. Keisha signs along the right margin, ''Love Keesha'', interestingly spelling it differently than Tupac. The date of “4/30/95” is written to verso, and the clothes Tupac and Keisha wear are consistent with other Polaroid images captured that same day. The photo was a gift from Shakur to the wife of a fellow inmate. Comes with a letter of authenticity from Carmella Viserto, that reads, in part: “I certify that this Tupac Shakur twice-signed Polaroid photo, taken the day after Tupac married Keisha Morris, was given to me and my husband Anthony, who was a fellow inmate, by Tupac Shakur.”
Shakur had begun serving a sentence at Dannemora in February 1995 after being convicted in a sexual assault case. Despite his detainment, Shakur remained active – he married his longtime girlfriend Keisha Morris on April 29th, and his album ‘Me Against the World’ (released only weeks earlier) became a bestseller, making him the first artist to have a number one album on the Billboard 200 while in prison. Tupac's confinement proved an important period in his artistic development, as he took the time to read philosophical works including many by Niccolo Machiavelli, which inspired his pseudonym 'Makaveli.'
Handwritten material from Shakur is exceedingly scarce in any format. This one-of-a-kind Polaroid photograph, captured in prison, provides a remarkably intimate depiction of Shakur. His extensive notation, penned within 24 hours of his wedding day, reveals a caring and thoughtful artist. Less than 12 months after his release, Shakur would be fatally shot in Las Vegas on September 7, 1996. He died on September 13, 1996, leaving behind a tremendous legacy as one of the most influential and important musical artists of the 21st century. Measures 3.5'' x 4.25''. Near fine condition.
Accompanied by full Letters of Authenticity from James Spence Authentication (JSA), and Tracks Ltd.