In a dynamic fusion of music, fashion, and cultural heritage, the American Museum of Natural History is preparing to unveil “Ice Cold: An Exhibition of Hip-Hop Jewelry.” Scheduled for public debut on May 9th, this showcase promises to illuminate the profound influence of hip-hop on contemporary style through its iconic jewelry pieces.
Among the treasures awaiting visitors are legendary artifacts such as Slick Rick’s bedazzled crown, the renowned Roc-A-Fella medallion adorned with diamonds, co-founded by Jay-Z, and the iconic “Jesus piece” famously worn by the late Notorious B.I.G., who immortalized it in his 1997 hit “Hypnotize.” The exhibition will also feature dazzling adornments from Nicki Minaj’s “Barbie” pendant to contributions by Erykah Badu, A$AP Rocky, Joey Bada$$, A$AP Ferg, Tyler, the Creator, and other luminaries of the genre.
Spanning across five decades, “Ice Cold” traces the evolution of hip-hop jewelry, from the oversized gold chains emblematic of its pioneering days in the 1980s to the opulent diamond-encrusted platinum creations favored by entrepreneurs in the 1990s. Curated by journalist Vikki Tobak, Quality Control Music’s Kevin “Coach K” Lee, and filmmaker Karam Gill, the exhibition finds its home in the Melissa and Keith Meister Gallery within the Hall of Gems and Minerals. Notable figures such as Slick Rick, scholar Tanisha Ford, jewelry designer Alex Moss, author Bevy Smith, former rapper Pete Nice, and Roc Nation’s Lenny Santiago lend their expertise as part of the advisory board for “Ice Cold.”
Set against the backdrop of the Upper East Side museum, the opening of “Ice Cold” coincides with another highly anticipated exhibition, the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion,” set to unveil on May 10th.
The expansive and architecturally striking Richard Gilder Center provides an apt setting for “Ice Cold.” Reopened last year following a $465 million renovation led by Studio Gang, the space embodies a modern, welcoming ambiance—a testament to the American Museum of Natural History’s commitment to engaging a diverse audience in the post-COVID-19 era.