Majors

New YouTube Docuseries Explores Hip-Hop Jewelry World

MajorsJul 15, 2021

New YouTube Docuseries Explores Hip-Hop Jewelry World

The four-part series features the jewels of hip-hop stars and insights from the designers who make them.

20210715_Quavo.jpg
Quavo, a member of rap group Migos, was an executive producer of “Ice Cold,” the new YouTube docuseries about the world of hip-hop jewelry. (Image courtesy of YouTube)
New York—A new YouTube Originals docuseries is taking viewers backstage into the world of hip-hop jewelry.

The four-episode series, titled “Ice Cold,” features some of the genre’s biggest stars, including J Balvin, Lil Baby, Lil Yachty, A Boogie, A$AP Ferg, and Talib Kweli.

Celebrity jewelers Ben Baller, Eliantte, Johnny Dang, Icebox, and others—all known for crafting heavily bejeweled masterpieces—also make appearances.

“The series dives into hip-hop’s ability to reimagine and transcend established notions of wealth, status, superiority and the sheer resilience of hip-hop culture,” said YouTube in a press release about the series.

WATCH: The “Ice Cold” Trailer
Gold and diamond chains are a particular favorite among the hip-hop community, but the connection runs deeper than a style choice.

They have become not only a status symbol, but also a way to make up for lost time, financially speaking.

“Because of slavery and Jim Crow and redlining, and overcriminalization of Black people, Black people have not been able to build the same type of wealth as white people in this country,” said Kweli in the first episode.

Karam Gill directed the docuseries, and it was executive produced by Migos, Kevin “Coach K.” Lee, and Pierre “P” Thomas.

“We all have our own ways of feeling and displaying success,” said Gill in the release.

“This series explores that concept through the story of hip-hop jewelry. It’s a deeper look at the construct of ‘The American Dream’ and how hip-hop has redefined it through jewelry and creative expression.”

“Ice Cold” was co-produced by Quality Films, Universal Music Group’s Mercury Studios and Polygram Entertainment, Mass Appeal, and MGX Creative.

The full series is available to watch now on YouTube.

 Related stories will be right here …

The Latest

Nethaniel Fuimaono, Sonny Fuimaono, Aaron Fuimaono, Hanson Dang mug shots
CrimeMar 04, 2025
4 Suspects Arrested in Fatal Armed Robbery of California Jewelry Store

Uc Thí Vo, who co-owned Kim Tin Jewelry in Sacramento with her husband of 40 years, was killed during the November 2024 robbery.

Stock image of a gavel
CrimeMar 04, 2025
NYC Diamond Dealer Pleads Guilty to Lab-Grown Diamond Swaps

Manashe Sezanayev pleaded guilty to grand larceny and is expected to receive five years’ probation when he’s sentenced in May.

For Future Reference Vintage 1940s Necklace
TrendsMar 04, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Peaceful and Powerful Aquamarine

The March birthstone pairs perfectly with hues of Mocha Mousse, Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2025.

ja-btyb-topimage.png
Brought to you by
Have a Plan for Emergencies

Emergencies can happen anytime, anywhere , and Jewelers of America has what you need to be prepared for it all.

Smart Age Solutions CEO Emmanuel Raheb
ColumnistsMar 04, 2025
The Smart Lab: Using Online Events to Supercharge Sales

Emmanuel Raheb shares strategies to prepare for, publicize, and engage the audience during events on platforms like TikTok and Zoom.

Weekly QuizFeb 27, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Doja Cat and Selena Gomez at the 2025 Oscars
EditorsMar 03, 2025
Drop Necklaces, Archival Pieces Take Over at the 2025 Oscars

From Doja Cat to Mikey Madison and Selena Gomez, many of this year’s Academy Awards attendees donned drop necklaces.

Polished diamonds
Policies & IssuesMar 03, 2025
Customs Indefinitely Postpones Requirement to Disclose Country of Mining

Originally slated to take effect in April, official U.S. Customs and Border Protection documents now show the implementation date as “TBD.”

national-jeweler_top-image_2.png
Brought to you by
A Diamond ETF is the Way to Reinvigorate Natural Diamond Sales

The jewelry industry faces challenges from lab-grown diamonds. A diamond ETF can restore natural diamonds' value and drive investor demand.

Woman pushing a shopping cart
SurveysMar 03, 2025
Consumer Confidence Fell in February Amid Concerns About the Future

The recent jump in the prices of household staples, like eggs, and the potential impact of tariffs worried consumers.

AGA Gemological Education Scholarship Program Graphic
Events & AwardsMar 03, 2025
AGA Now Accepting Applications for Its Gemological Education Scholarship

The application period for the program is now open for aspiring gemologists around the world.

Porcupine Quilled 3-Band Earrings
CollectionsFeb 28, 2025
Piece of the Week: Ironhorse Quillwork Earrings

The work of Indigenous designer Joe Big Mountain, these earrings are similar to the pair Lily Gladstone just wore to the SAG Awards.

Memorial ring for Sir Richard Rainsford
AuctionsFeb 28, 2025
300-Year-Old Ring With Ties to Witch Trial Judge Up for Auction

A metal detectorist uncovered the ring created in memory of Sir Richard Rainsford, who presided over some of England’s last witch trials.

20250228_MNQ 2025 Jewelry Trends Forecast.jpg
Recorded WebinarsFeb 28, 2025
Watch: 2025 Jewelry Trends Forecast

Fine jewelry consultant and publicist Francesca Simons joins Amanda Gizzi and Natalie Francisco to discuss the trends set to rise this year.

Winnie Harlow, Kyle Kuzma, Stephanie Gottlieb Fine Jewelry Engagement Ring
TrendsFeb 27, 2025
Model Winnie Harlow Says ‘Yes’ to 3-Stone Engagement Ring

Harlow’s partner, NBA player Kyle Kuzma, worked with Vobara to design the ring, which features oval and pear-shaped diamonds.

Gemfields higher quality emerald auction
SourcingFeb 27, 2025
Gemfields Holds Mini Auction for Higher-Quality Emeralds

The 13 lots on offer were comprised of material that previously went unsold at the miner’s November auction.

JA Learning Workshop logo
Events & AwardsFeb 27, 2025
JA to Host Workshop During Alabama Jewelers Association Convention

The learning workshop and the convention are both scheduled to take place April 26 and 27 in Montgomery, Alabama.

European Union flags
Policies & IssuesFeb 26, 2025
EU Once Again Pushes Back Deadline on Diamond Traceability

The EU, like the U.S., also now will require diamond importers to provide information about where exactly the diamonds were mined.

De Beers CEO Al Cook, Botswana Minster of Minerals and Energy Bogolo Joy Kenewendo
SourcingFeb 26, 2025
De Beers, Botswana Make New Diamond Sales Deal Official

The formal signing of the agreement comes nearly two years after De Beers and Botswana initially announced they had reached a new deal.

Alexander Lacik and Beth Gerstein
Events & AwardsFeb 26, 2025
JFC Names 2025 ‘Facets’ Honorees

The charity will celebrate Pandora CEO Alexander Lacik and Brilliant Earth CEO Beth Gerstein at its annual event in Las Vegas.

National Jeweler columnist Peter Smith
ColumnistsFeb 25, 2025
Peter Smith: Here’s What I Think

Retailers need to have the right merchandise, marketing, and people in place to stay on top in a sea of uncertainty, Peter Smith writes.

Tacori shop-in-shop at Smyth Jewelers
EditorsFeb 25, 2025
Out & About: Visiting Tacori’s New Shop-in-Shop

Senior Editor Lenore Fedow traveled to Smyth Jewelers in Maryland to see the first of 15 revamped in-store boutiques Tacori is rolling out.

Michael B. Jordan in David Yurman Spring 2025 Chevron Campaign
CollectionsFeb 25, 2025
Michael B. Jordan Stars in David Yurman’s Spring Campaign

The company’s newest brand ambassador Eiza González will also be featured in the ads for the women’s campaign.

Stephen Webster Green Cuprian Tourmaline earrings
SourcingFeb 24, 2025
Colored Stone Market Update: Tracking Industry Trends in Tucson

Declining supply and growing demand persist in the colored gemstone market, presenters from Gemworld said at AGTA GemFair Tucson.

Reena Jumbo It’s a Lobster Clasp Necklace
TrendsFeb 24, 2025
Renna’s Lobster Clasp Looks Like a Claw, Now It's Patented by Law

The designer’s new patent transforms the everyday clasp into her jumbo “Lobster Clasp,” modeled after the look of a crustacean’s claw.

Jewelers Vigilance Committee annual luncheon 2025 logo
Events & AwardsFeb 24, 2025
Bogolo Joy Kenewendo to Speak at Annual JVC Luncheon

Kenewendo, Botswana’s minister of minerals and energy, will discuss the future of diamonds.

Canada’s Diavik Diamond Mine in warmer months
SourcingFeb 24, 2025
Diavik’s Production Down 17% in 2024

Sales at the Rio Tinto-owned mine also slid by a double-digit percentage, falling 37 percent in a difficult market for diamonds.

Jade Ruzzo Tennessee Drop Earrings
CollectionsFeb 21, 2025
Piece of the Week: Jade Ruzzo’s ‘Tennessee’ Oval Drop Earrings

Heidi Gardner, an SNL cast member, wore the smoky quartz earrings on the “SNL50: The Anniversary Special” red carpet on Sunday.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy