Ice Cold. A Hip-Hop Jewelry History

Hip-hop culture is synonymous with flashy jewelry, from diamond-studded grills and oversized chains to lavish Rolex and Patek Philippe watches or a simple yet elegant Tiffany necklace. These pieces are the sparkling emblems of a bold and charismatic identity shared across the hip-hop world. "Ice Cold: A Hip-Hop Jewelry History" delves into this jeweled legacy, chronicling its journey from the 1980s to the present day. The book is a vibrant collage of stories and imagery, featuring many iconic hip-hop figures who have embraced "Ice" as a medium for individualism and expression. Starting with pioneering artists like Run-DMC, who sported gold Adidas pendants, or Eric B. & Rakim with their flashy dookie rope chains and Mercedes medallions, the book charts the evolution of these accessories from street style staples to integral pieces of design culture. The tradition of extravagant expression only escalates with stars like Pharrell Williams, Jay-Z, Gucci Mane, and Cardi B, who push boundaries by incorporating unique pop culture elements, unconventional materials, and collaborations with artists such as Takashi Murakami. Eminent jewelers including Tito Caicedo of Manny’s, Eddie Plein, and Jacob the Jeweler, along with modern artisans like Avianne & Co., Ben Baller/IF & Co., Greg Yuna, Johnny Dang, and Eliantte, all contribute to this rich narrative. The visual feast is captured through the lenses of renowned photographers such as Wolfgang Tillmans, Janette Beckman, Jamel Shabazz, and others, while a foreword by Slick Rick and essays by prominent figures like A$AP Ferg, LL COOL J, Kevin “Coach K” Lee, and Pierre “P” Thomas add depth to this gem of cultural history.