What is Hip Hop? It is an American genre of music that was first developed in New York City. What became known as Hip Hop could be seen in Harlem and in the Bronx.There are four distinct components to Hip Hop. These components include rapping, DJing, graffiti and break dancing. Today, however, some of the components have taken a back seat to new components. Hip Hop has taken on a different feel and look today. One thing that definitely sets a Hip Hop artist apart from other types of musical artists is the wearing of diamond-encrusted jewelry.
Hip hop is more than a genre of music; it’s a subculture that influences millions of young people every year. We see the influences of Hip Hop in everything from the cars to the lavish homes to the clothing and jewelry. Television shows like “Pimp My Ride” and “Cribs” showcase the lavish ideal of cars and homes that are outfitted to the max.
For many, becoming a Hip Hop artist puts that artist in a world that commands respect. When a Hip Hop artist wears a huge diamond-encrusted pendant dangling from his neck, it’s a sign of success for many who view it. Jewelry stores recognize the power of this type of diamond jewelry.
Successful stores know what customers want. The secret to the success for many successful stores is an ability to follow the trends. When a store gives a customer what they want, it means they are up on latest attitudes and fashions.
Clothing for the Hip Hop market is large jerseys, baggy pants and base ball caps worn backwards. For women its fancy hair, long nails, tight clothing and five inch heels. However, what’s most important for the Hip Hop look is diamonds, lots and lots of diamonds. Few rappers are seen without at least one large diamond accessory.
Diamonds signify that a Hip Hop artist has made it. To have “made it” is a huge status symbol for a Hip Hop artist, and young people run to the power of the diamond to make it happen for them.
Hip Hop diamonds are not simple strands. Hip Hop diamonds are about excessiveness or what is known as the “bling, bling.” As with other aspects of the Hip Hop world, the term “bling, bling” has ?become settled comfortably in American slang and is instantly recognized as a symbol for very large and “loud” diamond jewelry. Gaudy for some, but impressive for many others. American companies are taking advantage of the influence. Dressing like a Hip Hop artist is a cool thing to do, so Americans will find ways to copy the look.
Today music is not just music. Today music represents huge profits for everyone. Rap artists wear diamond-encrusted jewelry in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. Young people and aspiring rappers buy the music because they want to be able to wear the bling too. Record companies, clothing companies, jewelry companies and rappers who wear the clothing and the jewels profit from the obsession.
Who are some of the more popular rappers who appreciate the “bling, bling?” Rappers like 50 Cent, Chamillionaire, J Zay, and P Diddy wear the diamonds.
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