The Economy's Having An Effect On Rapper's Bling...Say It Isn't So! - Page 2
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But real "bling" usually means only one thing...GIANT BIG ASS RAPPER necklaces, watches and rings. Double the diamonds, double the tacky.
The term was supposedly coined by rapper B.G. back in the 90's when his single "Bling Bling" was released. Perhaps the term was coined by B.G. (Baby Gangster), but I think the roots of bling go back to Mr. T of A-Team fame, the original bling-a-nator. He wore enough crap around his neck to choke a horse. Oh, and rings too, lots of rings!
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Jason Arasheben who has a shop in Beverly Hills and creates pieces for wealthy clients said:
"A lot of these rappers simply don't have the money for real stuff anymore. It's to the point where they are wearing imitation jewelry, and that's ridiculous."
Who can forget the monstrosity he created for rapper Lil Jon, which read "CRUNK AIN'T DEAD"? I know I'd like to.
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It weighed over five pounds and had 3,756 round-cut white diamonds, and also won a place in the 2007 by Guinness World Records. A bit pretentious to say the least. Ah hell...it's just damn STUPID. There I said it. All that money spent frivolously on jewelry to prove how much money you make, when clearly what these people need is to buy some damn common sense.
I was intrigued that Biz Markie, whose 1990's hit and claim to fame was "Just a Friend" (loved that song and video, white wig, candelabra and all) for agreeing to sell off his bling for charity in the "Hip Hop's Crown Jewels" auction. Sadly the auction was canceled due to lack of interest. Kudos to Biz for trying to do the right thing. I wish the rap community would follow suit and give a little bit back.
In Houston, which is the epicenter for "ice" created for rappers, designer Johhny Dang says his business has fallen off 60% and that rappers are going for lesser gold, cheaper and fake diamonds and machine made pieces. Gee, that's a shame.
Continued on the next page
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