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.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Watches
The Latest
CollectionsApr 10, 2026
Ophelia Eve’s Toggle Pendant Holds Your SecretsThe “Scroll” toggle pendant, our Piece of the Week, opens to reveal a hidden message, mantra, or love letter written on washi paper.
ColumnistsApr 09, 2026
Jewelry Demand Isn’t Stronger, Prices Are Just Higher Jewelers who misinterpret the state of the jewelry market risk employing the wrong retail strategy, cautions columnist Sherry Smith.
MajorsApr 09, 2026
Tiffany & Co. Promotes Nathalie Verdeille to SVP, Chief Artistic OfficerIn her newly expanded role, she will continue to oversee the jewelry category, as well as watches, home, and accessories.
Brought to you by
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessYou deserve to know what you are selling–to protect your customers as well as your business and your reputation.
Events & AwardsApr 09, 2026
JCK Announces Jesse Itzler as 2026 Keynote SpeakerOrganizers have also introduced the new JCK Talks Signature Series, as well as an offering of watch-focused workshops and lectures.
Weekly QuizApr 09, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingApr 09, 2026
AGA To Honor ‘Quiet Leadership’ With New AwardThe Alan Hodgkinson Medal recognizes gemologists who are consistently generous with their time and expertise.
WatchesApr 09, 2026
Oris Names New CEO, CFOThe Swiss watchmaker is changing up its executive leadership team as part of a restructuring.
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.
CollectionsApr 08, 2026
Hearts On Fire Celebrates 30 Years By Asking a QuestionThe “What’s Your Signature?” campaign invites women to think about how they see themselves.
SourcingApr 08, 2026
Sale of 42-Carat Blue Diamond Gives Petra a Boost in Q3The big diamond’s sale added to the company’s revenue though the market remains “challenging” overall, particularly for smaller goods.
Events & AwardsApr 08, 2026
AGS Confluence Returns with AI, Sustainability SessionsRob Bates of The Jewelry Wire will also moderate a panel on the state of the jewelry industry during the virtual event.
Events & AwardsApr 08, 2026
TJS to Honor 2 Longtime Former Stuller EmployeesThe Jewelry Symposium will honor two industry veterans with lifetime achievement awards at its upcoming May event.
TrendsApr 08, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: April’s Brilliant Birthstone With their durability, brilliance, and beauty, diamonds are the perfect stone for everyday birthstone jewelry.
MajorsApr 07, 2026
QVC Group’s Latest Filing Calls Its Future Into QuestionThe retailer failed to file its annual report on time and said it may issue a going concern warning.
ColumnistsApr 07, 2026
Peter Smith: A Tip to the Post Office on Workplace CultureSmith recounts a recent trip to the post office that included an uncomfortable, embarrassing, and public exchange between two employees.
GradingApr 07, 2026
GIA CFO David Tearle to Retire in June John Cowley, who has more than 30 years of experience, is succeeding Tearle as the lab’s chief financial officer.
CollectionsApr 07, 2026
Nerd Out Over Gemology Geek’s First Jewelry CollectionFounder Erica Silverglide has designed 35 colorful pieces set with fluorescing gemstones for the brand's first finished jewelry offering.
CollectionsApr 07, 2026
Ukrainian Jewelers Highlighted In New Book“Ukrainian Jewelry | Contemporary Jewelry and Art Jewelry from Ukraine” features 33 contemporary Ukrainian designers and studios.
CollectionsApr 06, 2026
Fope’s New Jewelry Debuts Are Golden“The Golden Now” campaign celebrates the here and now with the brand’s signature styles and a selection of its new pieces.
MajorsApr 06, 2026
Kecia Caffie, Corinne Bentzen No Longer With Signet JewelersSignet confirmed that Caffie, president of Zales and Banter, and Bentzen, who headed Blue Nile, have left the company.
CollectionsApr 06, 2026
Historian Tanzy Ward Pens Book on Black Victorians’ JewelryThe antique jewelry dealer talks about the importance of including Black Americans in jewelry history and preserving their stories.
SourcingApr 06, 2026
Gemfields Reports $51M Loss in 2025Both its mines faced challenges last year, from operational issues to disruptions in the market.
CollectionsApr 03, 2026
Taylor Swift’s ‘Elizabeth Taylor’ Video Puts Jewelry Front and CenterIconic pieces, like the Mike Todd Diamond Tiara, appear in the superstar’s new music video for her song inspired by the actress.
MajorsApr 03, 2026
Saks Global Says It Will Emerge From Bankruptcy This SummerThe luxury retailer, which went Chapter 11 in January, announced Thursday that it has secured $500 million in exit financing.
Events & AwardsApr 03, 2026
JCK Luxury, NouvelleBox Partner on New Designer BallroomThe NouvelleBox ballroom will feature independent jewelry designers, including Lene Vibe, Wyld Box Jewelry, and Kiaia Limited.
CollectionsApr 03, 2026
Buddha Mama Brings Its ‘Moon’ Locket To DallasThe one-of-a-kind locket, our Piece of the Week, opens to reveal three hidden images to keep close to your heart.
MajorsApr 02, 2026
Pandora Opens New Canadian Distribution Center Amid Tariff ConcernsThe new facility was also designed to better serve its growing customer base in Canada.
