Jewelry has been an integral fashion statement for Hip Hop artists since the day it was born. It signifies freshness, originality, and an overall presence of worth that stuns your average innocent bystander. Historically, the likes of Slick Rick, Jay-Z, and Fat Joe immediately come to mind when bling bling is concerned.
Now, through aide and association with Phillips de Pury Company, these artists and more will be offering their prized possessions up with portions of the profits funding Russell Simmons’ Rush Community Affairs. A non-profit organization, Rush Community Affairs reaches out to urban youths with the intent to create a positive atmosphere through education and arts. Titled “Hip Hop’s Crown Jewels,” the auction is the first of its kind to enlist Hip Hop jewelry on such a large scale, with over 50 pieces available for sale.
The jewelry auctioned off features several pieces that hold historical significance in Hip Hop, like a diamond, ruby and gold crown ring from the late Tupac Shakur. Engraved with the words “Pac & Dada 1996,” the ring symbolizes the intimate relationship he once held dear with Kidada Jones, daughter of music mogul Quincy Jones.
Another piece included will be Lil Jon’s diamond and gold pendent which proudly states “Crunk Ain’t Dead,” an ode to the form of southern hardcore Hip Hop that Lil Jon himself made popular to mainstream music.
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Artists who will also have their jewelry pieces up for grabs include Kanye West, LL Cool J, Notorious B.I.G., Lil Wayne, Missy Elliot, and Biz Markie, as well as several others.
The pre-auction will start off with a viewing of the jewelry from September 22nd – 30th, which will be open to the public. Then on October 1st, “Hip Hop’s Crown Jewels” will be auctioned off in Phillips de Pury Company’s Lower Manhattan office.
