A handwritten four page letter written by Tupac Shakur in 1995 has sold for a rap memorabilia record $172,750 at Goldin Auctions.

It was one of several lots relating to the rapper in the sale (including contracts and other documents) which achieved a combined $206,625.

Tupac wrote this letter to his management from prison in 1995

The lot is an essay of sorts titled "Is Thug Life Dead?" (Shakur argues it is not) that he wrote while serving time in prison for sexual assault.

In an accompanying letter addressed to Tupac's label Deathrow Records he writes that the contents are to be used as its management see fit.

It includes his advice to "avoid the PlayaHaters and evil envious "homies" they will bring U harm. It aint all good my people Be Aware! Hopefully this will do some of you some good."

He signs off: "I promise you one thing when I touchdown it will shake the world!"

Ultimately the text was never published.

Tupac was killed in a drive by shooting following his release from prison around a month after writing the letter.  

Auction house founder Ken Goldin said: "This remarkable letter from Tupac exemplifies what's thrilling about the auction business as this recently discovered find caught the eye of several serious and well-heeled bidders who went back and forth for hours until this record-setting price was reached."

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