Ice Cold: A Hip-Hop Jewelry History book documents bling culture
The book 'Ice Cold: A Hip-Hop Jewelry History' chronicles the evolution of hip-hop jewelry from the 1980s to today. It features hundreds of images of major artists, tracing the shift from Run-DMC's gold Adidas pendants and Eric B. & Rakim's dookie rope chains to contemporary pieces by Pharrell Williams, Jay-Z, and Gucci Mane. The volume explores how diamond-encrusted grills, oversized chains, and luxury watches became symbols of identity and self-expression within hip-hop culture.
Key facts
- The book is titled 'Ice Cold: A Hip-Hop Jewelry History'.
- It covers hip-hop jewelry from the 1980s to the present.
- It includes hundreds of images of major hip-hop artists.
- Early examples include Run-DMC's gold Adidas pendants.
- Eric B. & Rakim wore ostentatious dookie rope chains and Mercedes medallions.
- Contemporary artists featured include Pharrell Williams, Jay-Z, and Gucci Mane.
- Jewelry items include diamond-encrusted grills, truck-style chains, and luxury watches.
- The book frames jewelry as a proclamation of identity and self-expression.
Entities
Artists
- Run-DMC
- Eric B. & Rakim
- Pharrell Williams
- Jay-Z
- Gucci Mane