SourcingSep 23, 2025
Super Smalls’ New Book Introduces Kids to Gems, Fine JewelryWatchesOct 23, 2025
‘Million Dollar Hip Hop Watches’ Recounts Watch History
The book details the journey of watches as symbols of hard-earned success in hip-hop for artists like 2Pac, Jay-Z, and more.
“Million Dollar Hip Hop Watches” was written by Leon Schäfers, Jeanette Lang, and Tobias Kargoll. (Image credit: Million Dollar Hop Hop Watches, teNeues 2025)
New York—"Million Dollar Hip Hop Watches,” a coffee table book following the history of timepieces in the hip-hop world as a symbol of hard-earned success, is debuting in the U.S. next month.
The book is a “journey into the soul of hip-hop, revealing the deep emotional ties between a revolutionary culture and the timepieces that have become its most potent symbols,” it said.
It explores watches worn by rappers including 2Pac, LL Cool J, Run-DMC, Jay-Z, Rick Ross, Busta Rhymes, MC Lyte, Rema, and Missy Elliott.
The book not only features these artists but discusses what it meant for them to own, wear, and include the watches in their music.
The book highlights the influence of brands like Rolex, Audemars Piguet, Patek Philippe, Richard Mille, and even Casio’s G-Shock.
Throughout its 320 pages, there are more than 300 color photographs of the rappers and their watches.
The 23 chapters progress from the defiant style of the 1970s to the “Quartz Era” of the 1980s, the “Golden Age of Hip-Hop” in the 1990s, and the changing of the dial in the 2000s.
The book is a “journey into the soul of hip-hop, revealing the deep emotional ties between a revolutionary culture and the timepieces that have become its most potent symbols,” it said.
It explores watches worn by rappers including 2Pac, LL Cool J, Run-DMC, Jay-Z, Rick Ross, Busta Rhymes, MC Lyte, Rema, and Missy Elliott.
The book not only features these artists but discusses what it meant for them to own, wear, and include the watches in their music.
The book highlights the influence of brands like Rolex, Audemars Piguet, Patek Philippe, Richard Mille, and even Casio’s G-Shock.
Throughout its 320 pages, there are more than 300 color photographs of the rappers and their watches.
The 23 chapters progress from the defiant style of the 1970s to the “Quartz Era” of the 1980s, the “Golden Age of Hip-Hop” in the 1990s, and the changing of the dial in the 2000s.
Lil Yachty wearing a customized Rolex Day-Date in 18-karat yellow gold (Image credit: David Cabrera, Million Dollar Hip Hop Watches, teNeues 2025)
Rick Ross wearing a 41mm white gold Audemars Piguet Royal Oak watch (Image credit: David Cabrera, Million Dollar Hip Hop Watches, teNeues 2025)
"Million Dollar Hip Hop Watches” starts where hip-hop began in the streets of The Bronx in New York City.
It recounts the story of 2Pac supposedly gifting The Notorious B.I.G. his first Rolex.
The book also explores the “Five Time Zone” watch created by Jacob Arabo, also known as Jacob the Jeweler, of Jacob & Co. The “groundbreaking” timepiece ushered in the “Ice Age” of watches covered in diamonds.
“This book isn’t just about watches; it’s about the dreams, struggles, and aspirations etched into every glittering facet,” said the book.
Timepieces by brands like Rolex, Patek Philippe, and Audemars Piguet are seen as not just functional objects but a central expression of identity and status.
The book was written by the editors of the German digital magazine hiphop.de, Leon Schäfers, Jeanette Lang, and Tobias Kargoll.
Previously, Kargoll has also published his book “Erfolgsformel Hip-Hop,” about the “formula to success” in hip-hop.
"Million Dollar Hip Hop Watches” was published by teNeues Publishing.
It retails for $125 and is available for pre-order at teNeues, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble.
More on Watches
The Latest
CollectionsMar 13, 2026
A Trio of Jewels from the 3 Gem Award Nominees for Jewelry DesignOur Pieces of the Week honor the 2026 nominees for the Gem Award for Jewelry Design, Silvia Furmanovich, Cece Fein-Hughes, and Catherine Sarr.
SourcingMar 13, 2026
Andrea Pooler Joins Third-Generation Diamond Company as COO Pooler, who has more than 25 years’ experience in jewelry, is now chief operating officer of Modani Jewels, Soham Diamonds, and SNJ Creations.
MajorsMar 13, 2026
24 Karat Club of New York’s Banquet to Return to Waldorf AstoriaThe reopening of the Waldorf Astoria means a homecoming for the industry group’s annual event, which will take place Saturday.
Brought to you by
Is This You? Every Jeweler Has This Problem; We Have the Solution.Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.
CollectionsMar 12, 2026
Jessica McCormack Sends Gold, Gemstones Into ‘Orbit’McCormack looked to the 19th century’s “golden age” of astronomy when designing her new celestial-themed collection.
Weekly QuizMar 12, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsMar 12, 2026
Johnny Nelson Wins David Yurman Gem Awards GrantNelson will be honored as the inaugural grant winner at the Gem Awards gala on Friday.
TechnologyMar 12, 2026
Caratwise Launches, Names Former Signet Exec CEO The new smart design software allows jewelers to configure, price, and confirm a custom engagement ring in real time for in-store customers.
Brought to you by
DCA Enters a New Chapter in Jewelry EducationWith refreshed branding, a new website, updated courses, and a pathway for growth, DCA is dedicated to supporting retail staff development.
SourcingMar 12, 2026
Grandview Klein Opens New Factory in South Africa The 10,000-square-foot diamond manufacturing facility officially opened in late February and employs 50 people.
Events & AwardsMar 12, 2026
MJSA ‘Future of Jewelry Making’ Scholarship Applications OpenThe MJSA Education Foundation’s scholarships support students pursuing jewelry careers.
AuctionsMar 11, 2026
‘Spectacular’ 26-Carat Diamond Going Up for Auction in London The largest white diamond to come to market in the U.K. in more than a decade, the VVS1, I-color stone is expected to top $1 million.
TechnologyMar 11, 2026
Cast Jewelry’s Rachel Skelly on Coming Back Online Only Skelly shares her plans for reimagining the fine jewelry retailer she re-acquired after it faltered last year.
CollectionsMar 11, 2026
Pyrrha Highlights ‘The Space Between’ In New CollectionThe collection takes inspiration from the emotional space between people, moments, and experiences.
IndependentsMar 11, 2026
From the Jazz Age to the Information Age: London Jewelers Turns 100In 2026, the jewelry retailer is celebrating a milestone only a small percentage of family-owned businesses survive to see.
IndependentsMar 11, 2026
Virginia Jewelers Raise Nearly $30K for Children’s HospitalThe group of jewelers held a jewelry raffle in support of the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU.
FinancialsMar 10, 2026
Signet Jewelers’ Q4 Sales Fall Flat The jewelry giant released preliminary results for the fourth quarter and full year on Monday, with final results slated to come next week.
MajorsMar 10, 2026
Saks Global to Close 15 More StoresThe retailer also gave an update on its vendor partnerships.
TrendsMar 10, 2026
Messika Names Julianne Moore as AmbassadorThe award-winning actress is the “epitome of modern allure,” the brand said.
CollectionsMar 10, 2026
Gemstones ‘Bloom’ in Sorellina’s New CollectionThe “Bloom” collection draws from the flower power movement of the 1960s and ‘70s with inlay pendants offered in eight colorways.
Events & AwardsMar 10, 2026
Diamond-Studded Painting Shines at RJO Foundation AuctionThe unique piece was one of the custom works offered at the foundation's recent silent art auction, which garnered nearly $15,000 in total.
TrendsMar 09, 2026
Jake Gyllenhaal Is Bulgari’s Latest AmbassadorBulgari named Gyllenhaal as its brand ambassador for his embodiment of artistic depth, intellectual curiosity, and warmth.
Events & AwardsMar 09, 2026
TJS Announces 2026 Scholarship WinnersAwards were given to four students, one apprentice, and an emerging jeweler.
AuctionsMar 09, 2026
Joanna Carson’s Jewels Lead White-Glove SaleThe top jewelry lot of the late model’s estate sale, hosted by John Moran Auctioneers, was an Oscar Heyman & Brothers for Cartier necklace.
GradingMar 06, 2026
Tom Moses Leaving GIA After Nearly 50 YearsMoses, who started at GIA’s Santa Monica lab in 1976, will leave the Gemological Institute of America in May.
Lab-GrownMar 06, 2026
Charles & Colvard Files for Bankruptcy, Citing Price PressuresIncreased competition, falling lab-grown diamond and moissanite prices, and the rising cost of gold took a toll on the moissanite maker.
CollectionsMar 06, 2026
Zome’s ‘Solara’ Earrings Embody Celestial BeautyThe earrings, our Piece of the Week, feature pink tourmalines as planets orbiting around an aquamarine center set in 18-karat rose gold.
MajorsMar 06, 2026
Pomellato’s 2026 IWD Campaign Spotlights Economic Abuse“The Price of Freedom” campaign video for International Women’s Day confronts the quiet violence of financial control.
