Dispute Over the Makaveli Painting: Lawsuit Against Tupac's Estate Dismissed

Who owns the original painting for the Makaveli cover remains unresolved even after going to court. On February 22, 2023, Judge Jane Boyle in Texas dismissed a lawsuit against Tupac’s estate. The artist Ronald Brent, the Zelus Group, and buyer Leslie Ware sought to have the court declare that Ware owns the painting along with its copyright. However, the court ruled that it lacked jurisdiction over the estate and Amaru Entertainment. The dismissal was “without prejudice,” meaning the question of ownership itself was not decided.

Two Versions of the Painting’s Journey

Brent had painted the artwork for The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory. According to the plaintiffs, he sold it to a third party in 2012; in 2021, it went to Zelus and then, via the Heritage auction house, to Ware. The dispute began when the painting was offered online in May 2022.

Amaru counters: Brent was an employee of Death Row Records and therefore never owned the painting. The rights were transferred to the estate in 2022. According to the court, the painting is located in Dallas.