Photograph by Janette Beckman, Courtesy of Fahey/Klein Gallery
The esteemed American Museum of Natural History in New York City has announced an intriguing new exhibition focusing on some of rap and hip-hop’s most notable jewelry pieces, appropriately titled “Ice Cold: An Exhibition of Hip-Hop Jewelry.” Set to open May 9, “Ice Cold” will feature the lyric-worthy jewelry worn by some of hip hops most iconic stars, including Slick Rick’s gem-encrusted crown, the Notorious B.I.G.’s legendary gold ‘Jesus piece,’ Jay-Z’s diamond-studded Roc-A-Fella medallion, Nicki Minaj’s sparkling ‘Barbie’ pendant, and much more from the likes of Erykah Badu, A$AP Rocky, Joey Bada$$, A$AP Ferg, Tyler, the Creator, etc.
The exhibition builds on New York City’s celebration of the 50th anniversary of hip-hop as a global phenomenon, with Ice Cold highlighting the evolution of jewelry in the culture. From the oversized gold chains embraced by rap pioneers in the 1980s to the ostentatious pendants blinged out with diamonds and platinum. Considering how ubiquitous and prominent jewelry is in the rap game, this will be a fascinating and culturally significant exhibition worth the trip, guaranteed.
“Ice Cold: An Exhibition of Hip-Hop Jewelry” opens May 9 and will be on view in the Melissa and Keith Meister Gallery at the American Museum of Natural History, located at 200 Central Park W, New York, NY 1002.