Rappers are known worldwide for their love of all things bling. As the success of this section of the music industry grew, so did the jewels which rappers sported in their ears, on their hands and around their necks. The pieces are large, showy and full of sparkle. As rapper Big Daddy Kane stated, “It’s all about getting people to look at you.” There couldn’t be a more fitting motto for the jewelry and fashion which has been embraced by the hip hop world.
Now these pieces can belong to the public. Rappers are donating some of their bling towards an auction sale, titled “Hip Hop’s Crown Jewels.” The proceeds of this sale are expected to reach $3 million and will benefit Russell Simmons’s Rush Community Affairs-a group of non-profit organizations. 70 pieces were set to be sold at auction on October 1, 2008. Because of heightened interest, however, the sale has recently been postponed until March of next year. The pieces range from sizeable to downright ridiculous in their wow factors. The hip hop world has enough of a loyal following, however, that people will be clamoring to bid on these large and loud pieces of hip hop bling.
MC Lyte is donating a mushroom shaped gold ring which is embossed with the profile of Nefertiti. A ring will be sold from the late Tupac Shakur which he was wearing when killed in 1996. The ring consists of 10 carats of rubies and pave diamonds in a crown shape. This piece is expected to collect between $10,000 and $20,000. A bracelet owned and worn by rapper 50 Cent will also be auctioned off. The bracelet is covered in diamonds, and it may take another man of his stature to carry the heavy bracelet without injury.
Other lots include Missy Elliot’s all-moving mini turntable ring made of black diamonds and gold, and a diamond and platinum bracelet owned by Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs. A diamond and white gold link necklace of Pharrell Williams will be auctioned as well and expects to fetch up to $250,000. Kanye West is also considering giving his diamond studded black Jesus pendant for the auction.
A diamond pendant from Lil Jon dazzles with the large words “Crunk Ain’t Dead.” It is eight inches long and two inches thick, weighing over 12 pounds, and is suspended on a gold rope. The pendant holds the Guinness World Record for the largest diamond pendant. It consists of 3,756 diamonds–wow.
This jewelry is most certainly not for the faint of heart. The hip hop culture appreciates the larger than life image which these large pieces convey. This image is often intimidating for those used to normal sized jewelry pieces. One might be tempted to think that the jewelry is fake. But upon in-person inspection, it is impossible to deny the authenticity.
The hip hop style of finery could never be accused of subtlety. The jewelry is brash, self important and far from elegant. One might accuse the wearers of these jewels of poor taste, but they never could make the case for lack of individuality. Successful rappers and hip hop artists are unashamed. They are not embarrassed to let the world know that they have done well for themselves. Some find this reflection in style to be unrefined and tacky, while others appreciate the uniqueness of it.
The style is often emulated, but rarely does one have the opportunity to own such an original piece. These pieces are authentic, heavy, and wearing them seems completely impractical. They are quite unique, however, and represent the cultural relevance of this style of jewelry. The sheer fact that an auction house is holding such a culture defining showcase event of bling is momentous. This demonstrates the significance of the hip hop movement and its impact on main stream society. The jewels will find homes as there is a large group of people who do appreciate the unembarrassed statement which the large pieces present.
The rap world struggles to fight an image of over the top tasteless money spending. The jewelry is the majority of the problem. People see such opulence and wonder why rappers spend their money on such bulky and unusual pieces. The style of jewelry has not helped the rapper image one bit. The oversized flashy pieces present their wearers as outrageous and out of touch. Now, however, perhaps the jewelry can help to improve the hip hop image. With so many rappers donating their enormous pieces for the good of charity, the public can now see the softer side of the industry. Bling was one of the first things which rappers invested in when hitting the big time, and now they are giving some of it back to help the community which put them on top.
December 5th, 2008 at 10:25 am
Eh…it’s about time we saw them do something with their jewelry besides talking about it.