You’ve likely been listening to hip hop all your life. While many of our readers are over 50, they probably remember the birth of the genre and the role that New York City had in the music that now spans the globe. As it celebrates its 50th birthday, hip-hop is a global phenomenon. But to map the music’s true impact, you have to look closer. The 50th Anniversary of Hip Hop will be the most epic year in Hip Hop history! Celebrations will be held all around the world to uplift and honor every aspect of Hip Hop culture. From concerts and tours to battles, competitions and exhibitions, all of your favorite DJs, MCs, Breakdancers, Beatboxers, Graffiti artists and more will show up and show out to make this golden anniversary of Hip Hop culture the most extraordinary year yet.
One of the more unique and unusual displays and celebrations is being held at the American Museum of Natural History. See stunning jewelry pieces that trace the history of hip-hop from the 1980s to today. Ice Cold: An Exhibition of Hip-Hop Jewelry celebrates hip-hop’s cultural influence through stunning jewelry worn by some of its iconic stars. Highlights include Slick Rick’s gem-encrusted crown, the Notorious B.I.G.’s legendary gold ‘Jesus piece,’ the diamond-studded Roc-A-Fella medallion for the record label co-founded by Jay-Z, Nicki Minaj’s sparkling ‘Barbie’ pendant, and pieces from Erykah Badu, A$AP Rocky, Joey Bada$$, FERG, and Tyler, the Creator, among others.
Building on New York City’s celebration of the 50th anniversary of hip-hop as a global phenomenon, Ice Cold will highlight the evolution of jewelry in hip-hop over the past five decades, starting with oversized gold chains embraced by rap’s pioneers in the 1980s and moving through the 1990s, when emcees turned business moguls sported record label pendants sparkling with diamonds and platinum.
The exhibition will be on view in the Melissa and Keith Meister Gallery, within the Museum’s new Allison and Roberto Mignone Halls of Gems and Minerals and is included with all admission. Get your tickets and make plans! We did!
For more information and tickets, visit https://www.amnh.org/exhibitions/ice-cold-hip-hop-jewelry