BLING BLING: HIp Hop's Crown Jewels (Hardcover)

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Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Rap musicians' obsession with outlandish jewelry, the "bling" of the title, is celebrated by pop culture reporter Oh in her first book. Rapper Big Daddy Kane tells her, "It's all about getting people to look at you," and the photos in this slick, urban volume prove his point. From huge "dookie" chains to jewel-encrusted Jesus heads, from platinum and gold teeth to the $40,000 bracelet Method Man bought for his three-year-old daughter, the artists of hip hop make it clear in numerous interviews that the acquisition of costly jewelry is a major part of becoming a star. Oh interviews many of rap's bling-obsessed heavyweights, including 50 Cent, Lil Jon, Chuck D and RZA, but bypasses artists, such as Eminem, who maintain a lower-key appearance. Most of the interviews are laced with profanities and reveal little except that the artist digs bling bling. When more serious topics are raised, such as the exploitation of Africans in the mining of diamonds, or what kind of message the rap world's materialistic vision sends to its audience, Oh doesn't probe. For example, when ordained minister Run, of Run-D.M.C. proclaims his affection for bling by saying, "God wants you to have everything you want to have," Oh declines to question him further. Slickly designed and full of unique content, this book will find a welcome home next to any hip-hop CD collection. Photos.
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Product Description

When it comes to the world of hip-hop, nothing shines brighter than glorious bling. A fascinating look in words and pictures at the stars of hip-hop and their fabulous jewelry. elcome to the rarified world of hip-hop royalty, where mega-stars from Jay-Z to J. Lo flash brilliant rocks to signify status and express personal style. In Bling Bling, writer and radio show host Minya Oh takes readers deep inside this star-studded world, exploring the wild appetite for flashy adornment that typifies the contemporary rap scene. See how the other half sparkles in this fascinating photo-filled book devoted to the history and culture of rappers and their jewelry from the last 25 years. Run DMC, Slick Rick, Ludacris, and Puff Daddy are just some of the rap legends who show and tell, as the author travels from East Coast to West to discover the world's most fabulous accoutrements and the stories behind them.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 208 pages
• Publisher: Wenner (August 10, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1932958029
• ISBN-13: 978-1932958027
• Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 8.3 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: No customer reviews yet. Be the first.
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #987,964 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)