The American Museum of Natural History To Launch Exhibit Celebrating Hip-Hop Jewelry

The American Museum of Natural History has introduced a new exhibit honoring some of rap’s best jewelry.

The presentation, known as Ice Cold: An Exhibition of Hip-Hop Jewelry, opens on May 9th in New York City. Not only will the exhibit teach about the cultural impact of hip-hop’s most notable pendants, but it will also feature pieces worn by hip-hop greats. With jewels from the 1980s until now, the exhibit will include Slick Rick’s famous gem-encrusted crown, Nicki Minaj’s signature ‘Barbie’ pendant, the Roc-A-Fella charm, which was worn by multiple Roc acts, and various other custom items of jewelry from artists such as A$AP Ferg and Erykah Badu.

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A team consisting of several art and hip-hop enthusiasts and historians are the masterminds behind the project. Vikki Tobak, journalist and author of “Ice Cold: A Hip-Hop Jewelry History,” is overseeing the production with the help of fellow curators, including QC co-founder Kevin “Coach K” Lee and Karam Gill, the creative director and filmmaker behind the 2021 documentary series “ICE COLD.” A separate advisory board is also helping choose the pieces and bring the vision to life, consisting of Slick Rick and media personality Bevy Smith, among others.

The “Ice Cold” exhibit will be housed inside the Melissa and Keith Meister Gallery within the Museum’s Allison and Roberto Mignone Halls of Gems and Minerals. It’s unknown when the last day of the exhibit will be.