Ice Cold. a Hip-Hop Jewelry History Book

Whether it's diamond-encrusted grills oversized "truck" style chains bust-down Rolex and Patek Philippe watches or a Tiffany necklace jewelry is a cornerstone of hip-hop culture. Glittering blinged-out jewels are the shining statement of a collective identity: unapologetic charismatic and street savvy. Spanning the history of hip-hop jewelry from the 1980s to today Ice Cold: A Hip-Hop Jewelry History is a stunning compilation of storytelling and visuals. Hundreds of extraordinary images of every major hip-hop artist on record celebrate how "Ice" has become a proclamation of identity and self-expression. Starting with Run-DMC's gold Adidas pendants and Eric B. Rakim's ostentatious dookie rope chains and Mercedes medallions the jewelry then transforms from street style into a booming design culture. The hip-hop tradition of "show up and show out" reaches new heights with artists like Pharrell Williams Jay-Z Gucci Mane and Cardi B whose over-the-top pieces integrate unique pop culture references unconventional materials and enduring collaborations with artists like Takashi Murakami. Author Vikki Tobak reveals - in great detail - the work of pioneering jewelers such as Tito Caicedo of Manny's Eddie Plein and Jacob the Jeweler as well as newer artisans such as Avianne Co. Ben Baller/IF Co. Greg Yuna Johnny Dang Eliantte and many more. Ice Cold is a treasure trove of dazzling inspirational style featuring the work of leading photographers including Wolfgang Tillmans Janette Beckman Jamel Shabazz Timothy White Gillian Laub David LaChapelle Danny Clinch Chris Buck Mike Miller Phil Knott Raven B. Varona Al Pereira Albert Watson and many more. A foreword by hip-hop superstar Slick Rick and essays by AAP Ferg LL COOL J Kevin "Coach K' Lee and Pierre "P" Thomas of Quality Control Music take us on personal journeys into their jewelry universe. Ice Cold goes beyond the ostentatious bling to reveal a transformative story that is loud and proud.Format: 25.9cm x 4.6cm x 34.5cm Number of pages: 388 ISBN Number: 978-3836584975