Hip Hop and jewelry's relationship is almost symbiotic. In a cultural context, it's damn near impossible to mention one without the other, with both entities influencing how we view the other. Take a walk down Hip Hop's hallway, and you will find that your favorite MCs had equally legendary collections and statement chains. Remember Slick the Rick's "Justice Scale" piece? Or How about Pharrell's dazzling Jacob & Co $1,000,000 NERD chain? Remember when Kanye West showed up to the BET awards with a chain that looked like he dug it up from Tutankhamun's tomb? Have you seen Quavo's jewelry box and its few Bugattis worth ice? You get the point. But why all this love for bling?
I am not a hip-hop historian in the slightest. However, when the genre was created, it served three main purposes. First, Hip Hop was a tool to tell the stories of disenfranchised people of color in the inner cities and across America. Secondly, it was a form of celebration, an extension of all the other music-bending genres that Black people had coined the decades before. Finally, it was a sport, with battle raps taking center stage to many mythical hip-hop origin stories that you are probably familiar with. This last part is important. Battle raps were opportunities to show off your lyrical ability and flex on your opponent.
Your fit and what you wore to the battle allowed you to showcase your status, wealth, and overall "flyness" to the audience and other competitors — with your jewelry and sneakers being the essential part of your fit. Though Hip hop has grown into the most influential culture in the world, things haven't changed that much. The stakes are just bigger, the chains flashier, and outfits are "flyer."
Today we will dive deeper into this history and explore how this Hip Hop Jewelry shapes our current obsession with bling and how it will continue to do so for decades to come.
Ah, the 1970’s. Richard Nixon. Elvis Presley. The Vietnam War. Cocaine. Disco. What’s not to love? It’s also the decade in which hip-hop was born. The genre was first popularized by DJ Kool Herc in the early 1970s at his famous block parties. Evidence of ice followed shortly thereafter, with Kurtis Blow donning several gold chains on the cover of his self-titled debut album. It was only natural that Blow, the emcee behind the first certified gold hip-hop record ever, wore gold on his album cover. Over the next three decades, future emcees would follow in his footsteps, acquiring jewelry to mark the milestones reached throughout their careers.
By the mid to late 1980s hip-hop evolved. It began to grow from its disco-inspired, block party roots to a multi-dimensional art form ready to be taken seriously by America’s mainstream. Artists like Eric B. & Rakim pioneered a much more conscious, lyrically-driven listening experience while Biz Markie and Slick Rick blossomed by going into more of a storytelling route with their flows. Others, like LL Cool J and Run-DMC, began to achieve massive success with catchy production and high-energy delivery.
Getty Images / Janette Beckman
Getty Images / Janette Beckman
With bigger budgets and bolder rhymes, came bigger, bolder shines. At the height of Run-DMC’s, well, run, adidas gifted the trio solid gold Classics sneakers. Of course they achieved even greater infamy with their dookie rope chains, but don’t think that’s where the buck stopped. They’d routinely rock some of the sickest gold watches, rings and pendants of the era.
LL Cool J is another example of gold rope chain excellence. He was also one of the first to popularize four-finger rings, but it was Biz Markie who took it a step further, flooding his with diamonds. In 1987, when Eric B. and Rakim released Paid In Full, their album cover was literally covered in money. Ben Baller, of IF & Co. Jewelry, estimated the value of those chains at $100,000... each! Slick Rick, an eyepatch icon without peer, got full-on monarchal with his accessories that ranged from crowns and sceptres to wearing a dozen solid gold chains all at once. Rick was not alone in his regal aesthetic; on the cover of his 1988 debut album Long Live The Kane, Big Daddy Kane bears a striking resemblance to the African rulers from centuries long past, creating pillars of wearable gold.
Warner Bros (label)
Warner Bros
And with so many competing visions of opulence, you can be sure that it instilled a competitive air amongst these artists. Mr. Cee, Big Daddy Kane’s longtime DJ, would explain it in greater detail to Minya Oh in her 2005 book Bling Bling: “Between Kane, Slick Rick, and Biz Markie- just those three, I can remember if one person got something, the next person got something else. They loved to compete. All three of them used to play the Apollo at the same time, so if they had a big show like that, it would be the perfect place to debut new pieces.”
By the early '90s, hip-hop was organized into an industry all its own. Solo artists transitioned to executives and informal street crews banded together to form companies. In other words, the genre had become commercialized, and jewelry became part of the marketing. Pendants moved on from being flourishes of status and started to become billboards to advertise competing labels of the era. No better example of this type of piece of can be found than the enormous accoutrement worn by Notorious B.I.G.
Designed by Tito the Jeweler, Biggie's massive Jesus piece was the last chain he ever wore. It would turn into a good luck charm of sorts, worn by both Jay-Z and Lil Kim during the creation of their iconic albums of that era. Since his passing, the Jesus piece has arguably become the most popular pendant of all time. Jay and crew were familiar with the late Tito the Jeweler as well, as Jay would rap about taking his “fritos to Tito’s” on Reasonable Doubt’s "Politics As Usual."
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Subscribe to Highsnobiety on YouTubeBefore long, hip-hop was the top-selling genre by the numbers. It was around this time that Jay-Z upped the stakes by introducing high-priced platinum pieces to the masses. While $10,000 was a lot for a chain back in the '80s, Roc-A-Fella members---namely Dame Dash and Biggs Burke---would drop $200,000 each with Jacob in the mid-90’s.
This level of spending marked a period of transition in rap. As Jay-Z, Diddy, Dr. Dre and others would later demonstrate, it was a medium capable of generating wealth for its participants. And how better to show it than by placing it around your neck?
By the mid to late 2000’s, hip-hop and corporate America became partners. Nelly had energy drinks. Jay-Z had a sneaker line. Other artists had liquor brands. Billionaire hedge-fund managers began to invest into hip-hop. Hell even Eminem earned an Academy Award for the 8 Mile soundtrack, and the film based on his life went onto gross $242 million dollars at the box office.
Getty Images
Getty Images
In October 2004, 50 Cent was given a minority stake in a burgeoning beverage company in exchange for being its spokesman. The company, Vitaminwater, went onto to sell to Coca Cola for a staggering $4.1 billion, netting 50 Cent a cool $100 million in the process. Successes like these, coupled with royalties, merchandise, sponsorships (Usher in your Cheerios, anyone?) and other income-earning avenues meant one thing: hip-hop was flushed with cash. Big time. And as the status of rap and it’s artists evolved, so did the jewelry.
By 2005, every crew used the diamond chain to symbolize allegiance and status. At this time, the South, in complete parallel to the burgeoning ubiquity of trap music pouring out of the region, began to exert additional influence on the jewelry scene. Thanks to Nelly, Paul Wall and others, the bottom grill and other grills for teeth would see a spike in mainstream interest. Lil Wayne would even go on to get the most expensive set of grillz in hip-hop at $150,000.
It is also worth mentioning brothers Bryan “Birdman” and Ronald “Slim” Williams who, though you may not immediately recognize their name, made an indelible mark on the history of rap jewelry. After starting Cash Money records in 1991, the two would take hip-hop jewelry to a place that exceeded the imagination. Thanks to Juvenile, Hot Boyz, Lil Wayne and the other Cash Money signees at the time, the term “bling bling” became apart of the American lexicon. In April 2004, it was even added to the Oxford English Dictionary.
Paul A. Hebert/Invision/AP
Getty Images / Paul A. Hebert/Invision/AP
Though in today's world bling might be synonymous with rap, it does not mean it is now easy to attain. Chains rappers wore back in the 80’s and early 90’s might cost ten to twenty thousand dollars at most. Today, you’d be lucky to get a naked (meaning, no diamonds) Rolex Daytona for that. And that's not even factoring in the cost of the ring, chain, bracelet and other jewels that have become modus operandi for most rap stars. Before you know it, you’re down $100,000.
Rap historians will agree that in the beginning, hip-hop was a medium for the oppressed, segregated and subjected people of color and lower income brackets. It was rooted in activism and resistance, not just partying and materialism. Rap was music for people who could probably never imagine themselves adorned in diamonds and precious metals. Rap was for people who were on the bottom of the social hierarchy.
So when a select few were able to climb out of that despair into the ranks of the rich via rap, it wasn’t enough to have it. It had to be flaunted. It had to be shown for all the world to see. The more wealth that was acquired, the more shines there were to be admired. Rap has always been about struggle in one form or another, while jewelry in rap has always symbolized escaping that struggle. As Meek Mill pointedly called it, jewelry is a “trap trophy.” Which means that though bling may still denote status, in the world of hip-hop, it means a great deal more.
For more of our in-depth pieces, here's why Hip Hop is obsessed with workwear.
Posted By Israel Cubillo
on Jul 26, 2023
When you think of a rapper, what do you picture? A vibrant personality, a powerful voice, an energy that can get anyone dancing, right? I mean it depends on the rapper but yeah sure… However, there's something else that's hard to miss - the sparkling chains around their necks. These aren't just for show, they're part of the rapper's identity. But have you ever wondered why rappers wear chains?
In this article, we'll take you on a journey, exploring why chains are such a big deal in the hip-hop world. We'll talk about their history, their cultural importance, how they've changed over time, and even why they're a smart money move. Get ready to dive into the glitzy, golden world of rapper chains.
A Brief History of Chains in Hip Hop
Chains and hip-hop are intertwined, with the former playing a significant role in the visual identity of the latter. The history of chains in hip-hop can be traced back to the 1970s and 80s, when pioneers like Run DMC and LL Cool J emerged from the Bronx, wielding not just new styles of music but also unique forms of self-expression.
They popularized chunky gold chains as a symbol of their street cred and the success they had earned in their community, setting the trend for future generations. As hip-hop moved into the mainstream during the 90s, chains, just like the music itself, became bigger and bolder.
Influential artists like Tupac Shakur and Biggie Smalls elevated these accessories to an entirely new level of significance. Chains became more than just an accessory—they evolved into a potent visual representation of a rapper's persona, their journey, and their achievements.
Why Do Rappers Pick Gold Chains Over Silver?
Think about your favorite rap stars, and you'll probably picture them wearing blingy gold chains. But why gold and not silver? There's more to this choice than just the sparkle.
Gold chains are like badges of honor in the rap world. They're bold and they stand out—just like the artists who wear them. Hip-hop has always been about breaking the rules and standing out from the crowd. Gold chains do just that. They're bright, they're flashy, and they demand attention.
When big names like Jay-Z and Kanye West wear gold chains, it's not just a fashion statement. It's a loud and clear message: "We've worked hard, we've made it big, and we're not afraid to show it." The gold chains are a proud symbol of their success and their journey. They're a way to say, "We're here, and we're not going anywhere."
So, Why Do Rappers Wear Chains?
1. To Show Off Wealth
In the world of rap, it's not just about the music. Success is important too, and people often look at a rapper's wealth to figure out if they've made it or not. This is where chains come in. They're like shiny trophies that rappers wear to show everyone how well they're doing.
Big names in rap like Lil Wayne and Gucci Mane are famous for their diamond-covered chains. These aren't just fashion pieces. Each one tells a story about the rapper's career, the hard work they've put in, and the success they've achieved.
2. Higher Social Status
In the rap world, respect means a lot. And one way rappers earn this respect is through their flashy, luxurious chains. These chains aren't just for show—they're symbols of the rappers' high social status. The bigger and flashier the chain, the more likely it is that the rapper has a lot of money, which translates to a high social standing. For instance, consider Rick Ross. He has a giant chain studded with diamonds, and the pendant is a picture of his own face! This is not just a fashion statement—it's a way of showing his powerful position in the industry and getting the attention and respect he deserves.
But it's not just about social status - these chains can also help rappers create a memorable image. The unique designs of these chains can become a part of a rapper's brand identity, helping them stand out from the crowd. After all, who can forget the iconic dollar sign chain of Snoop Dogg or the snowman pendant of Young Jeezy? These unique chains help rappers carve a distinct identity in a highly competitive field, further solidifying their high status in society.
3. Investment
A hip-hop chain is more than just a piece of jewelry; it's also a savvy investment. Precious metals and gemstones, like gold and diamonds, retain their value over time, often even appreciating. Investing in chains allows rappers to have their wealth stored in a form that can easily be carried around, not to mention shown off.
Rappers like 50 Cent and Jay-Z, both successful businessmen in their own right, understand the value of such investments and have been known to consider their chains in terms of their potential return on investment.
4. Hide Their Money in Jewelry
While the concept of storing money in jewelry might seem unconventional, it's a practical form of wealth management for many rappers. Converting their cash into chains allows rappers to diversify their assets and safeguard against financial volatility. Chains, especially ones made from gold and encrusted with diamonds, tend to hold their value well over time. Plus, there's an undeniable convenience of having a considerable chunk of your wealth draped around your neck.
However, this method of wealth management comes with its own set of risks. A famous example is when rapper YBN Almighty Jay was attacked and robbed of his chain in 2019. The chain, reported to be worth around $40,000, was a significant loss for the rapper, emphasizing the potential risks of wearing such substantial wealth in a form that can be easily snatched away. It's a stark reminder that even though chains can be a symbol of status and a form of investment, they can also become targets.
5. It Has Become a Necessity in the Hip-Hop Culture
What started as a trend has now morphed into a cultural necessity. Wearing chains is a form of belonging—it connects an individual with the broader community of hip-hop. New-age artists like Future and Migos often express their unique styles and philosophies through their chains, which add another layer of depth to their stage presence and persona.
The Era of Custom Chains
In the ever-evolving world of hip-hop, the concept of standing out and being different is a defining trait. That's where custom chains come into the picture. More and more, artists are choosing to use their chains as an extension of their personality, a way to express their unique artistic vision and reinforce their personal brand.
Take rappers like Lil Uzi Vert, for example, who had a $24 million pink diamond implanted on his forehead or Quavo of Migos, known for his 'Ratatouille' chain which cost a whopping $250,000. These custom pieces aren't just eye-catching—they're extensions of the artist's brand, each telling a unique story about the individual behind the chain.
Custom chains have indeed become powerful marketing tools that help make the rapper more popular and deepen their connection with fans. Not just that, these unique pieces can command attention on a global scale, boosting the artist's visibility and reinforcing their brand identity.
How Much Do Rapper Chains Cost?
The cost of chains in the rap industry varies widely, influenced by factors such as the weight and quality of the metal, the quality and quantity of the gems embedded, and the brand that crafts the piece. Chains can range from a few thousand to several million dollars. Lil Jon's 'Crunk Ain't Dead' chain, worth an eye-popping $500,000, is a testament to the high-end extravagance that is possible in the world of hip-hop chains.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Rapper Has the Most Expensive Chain?
Currently, the title of the most expensive chain belongs to Lil Uzi Vert. His pink diamond chain, implanted directly into his forehead, is valued at an estimated $24 million. This audacious and unique piece represents the upper limit of extravagance in the world of rapper chains.
Where Can I Get Chains Like the Rappers?
While most of us may not have millions to spend on diamond-encrusted chains, there are many affordable options for those who want to channel the hip-hop style. Brands like ICECARTEL offer a range of high-quality, hip-hop-inspired chains that allow you to embrace this look without straining your finances.
Why Do Rappers Wear Multiple Chains?
Wearing multiple chains can be seen as an amplified display of wealth, a more forceful assertion of personal style, or simply an attempt to push the boundaries of conventional fashion norms. Rappers like 2 Chainz and Quavo, known for their multiple chains, make a strong statement about their confidence, success, and unique fashion sensibility.
Conclusion
Chains in the hip-hop world have evolved into powerful symbols—they represent wealth, power, status, and personal branding. They're also reflective of a rapper's journey, their triumphs, and their identity within hip-hop culture. As hip-hop continues to influence global culture, these chains will undoubtedly continue to evolve. Still, their core symbolism, their ability to tell a story of aspiration and achievement, will likely remain unchanged.
So, when you see a rapper swaying to the beat, their chain glinting under the spotlight, remember—it's not just about the bling. It's a testament to their journey, their persona, and their place in the world of hip-hop. That's the profound story behind why rappers wear chains.