Hip-Hop’s Jewel Legacy Comes Alive: Ice Cold Exhibition Opens at American Museum of Natural History

On May 9, the American Museum of Natural History will unveil “Ice Cold: An Exhibition of Hip-Hop Jewelry,” a spectacular showcase celebrating the cultural influence of hip-hop through custom-made jewelry worn by some of its most iconic stars. This special exhibition, included with general admission, will be on display in the Melissa and Keith Meister Gallery within the Museum’s Allison and Roberto Mignone Halls of Gems and Minerals.

The exhibition features dozens of stunning jewelry pieces that trace the history of hip-hop from the 1980s to today. Visitors can marvel at Slick Rick’s gem-encrusted crown, the Notorious B.I.G.’s legendary gold ‘Jesus piece,’ Nicki Minaj’s sparkling ‘Barbie’ pendant, and pieces from Erykah Badu, A$AP Rocky, Joey Bada$$, A$AP Ferg, and Tyler, the Creator, among others.

Sean M. Decatur, President of the American Museum of Natural History, expressed the significance of these jewelry pieces, stating, “These jewelry pieces are not just magnificent in and of themselves; they’re an important part of hip-hop history and hip-hop culture as artists claimed and transformed traditional symbols of luxury and success.”

“Ice Cold” will take visitors through the evolution of jewelry in hip-hop over the past five decades. Starting with oversized gold chains embraced by rap’s pioneers in the 1980s, the exhibition moves through the 1990s when emcees turned business moguls sported record label pendants sparkling with diamonds and platinum. Fueled by hip-hop’s exponential growth in the 2000s through today, the genre’s most influential artists have turned to multi-colored, avant-garde jewelry, referencing high fashion, pop culture, rap history, and more.

Guest curator Vikki Tobak, author of “Ice Cold: A Hip-Hop Jewelry History,” shared, “Jewelry is a cornerstone of hip-hop culture, and you can see the evolution of jewelry alongside the rise of hip-hop itself. From being a culture formed in communities and neighborhoods, and then stepping into its power and starting to impact global pop culture, hip-hop and its jewelry tell a bigger story. This exhibition explores that world of hip-hop’s culture of adornment and celebrates the pioneering artists and jewelers who made it all come together.”

“Ice Cold” is a harmonious blend of creativity and cultural significance, as expressed by hip-hop icon Ricky “Slick Rick” Waters, who serves as a senior advisor for the exhibition. Waters shared, “This collaboration with the American Museum of Natural History is a harmonious blend of creativity and cultural significance. I’m very honored to be a part of creating a unique and immersive experience for the Museum’s visitors in such a renowned space in the mecca of New York City.”

The curatorial team and advisory board, including artists, industry professionals, jewelers, and academics, have worked collaboratively to develop “Ice Cold.” The exhibition is curated by guest curator Vikki Tobak, along with guest co-curators Kevin “Coach K” Lee and Karam Gill. The advisory board features influential figures such as Slick Rick, Lenny S Santiago, Mandy Aragones, Timothy Anne Burnside, Tanisha Ford, Alex Moss, Peter J. Nash a.k.a. Pete Nice, and Bevy Smith.

“Ice Cold” promises to be a cultural journey, exploring the world of hip-hop’s culture of adornment and celebrating the artists and jewelers who have left an indelible mark on the genre’s history.

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