Since the early 1970s, many things of hip-hop culture have changed, including the lyrics, the beats, the messages conveyed through the songs, and the artists. However, one item has remained recognizable over the years: jewelry. Hip-hop initially served as a platform for the oppressed, separated, and lower-class people of color to express themselves. The role of activism and opposition was significant. Rap was music for the lowest social classes, for those who couldn't even envision themselves dripping in gems and diamonds. However, some people later had the chance to escape poverty, and they were required to demonstrate it. Such an accomplishment needed to be displayed and spoken about for all to see. Hip-hop jewelry served as a sign of freedom from the hardship that rap conveyed.
Hip-hop was created in the 1970s and made popular by DJ Kool Herc during his well-known block parties. With the release of Kurtis Blow's first hip-hop album to be certified as gold, jewelry started to appear. On the record covers for his albums, he displayed multiple gold chains, and throughout the ensuing decades, other musicians would emulate him. As they reached professional milestones, jewelry became a symbol. Hip-hop started to be taken seriously by the mainstream around the middle of the 1980s. More money was made as the genre was televised more widely. And more diamonds and jewelry came with more money. Some of the most recognizable items of jewelry from the time included rope chains, gold watches, four-finger rings, and even Adidas sneakers.
Hip-hop had become its own industry by the time the 1990s got underway. The jewelry had a significant role in marketing, and the genre was more marketed than ever. Rappers spent tens of thousands of dollars on fashionable gold chains, timepieces, and other jewelry accesories. Hip-hop had developed into such a lucrative genre that artists were beyond wealthy. They also wore their entire wealth around their necks.
By the turn of the century, businesses and hip-hop were close companions. Rappers worked on a number of ventures beyond the music sector, including energy products, liquor brands, and sneaker collections. Jewelry altered as a result of rappers' new status. Grillz gained widespread acceptance, and diamond chains started to stand for status and allegiance. Thanks to Cash Money signees, the phrase "bling bling" entered our everyday lexicon. A well-known rapper should wear the bare minimum of accessories, but those accesories are now more costly and expensive than they were. A full set of jewelry, including a watch, chains, and rings, must cost several hundred thousand dollars. (Except if you shop from Aluxe Jewelry!)
Even though a lot has changed since hip-hop's inception in the 1970s, one thing is certain: the hip-hop chains remains an essential part of the rap industry and will do so as long as the genre adapts and reinvents itself. Learn more about the relationship between the hip-hop industry and VVS Diamonds.