Have you ever noticed the kid in the mall wearing a chain and cross gleaming with what looks like diamond jewelry? They aren't diamonds, of course and they may not be kids. In today's Hip Hop age we are facing an explosion of interest in these "fake" diamonds better known as cubic zirconia. Hip Hop fans of all ages are imitating their rap idols in their adornment of the most flamboyant types of jewelry accessories. A whole new genre of style and design has been established as a result with its own language and boundaries.
The prolific rise of the rap industry as a mainstay in our cultural landscape is undeniable. People of all races, economic backgrounds and various regions of the world have been affected. Hip Hop has transcended its roots in the underground and has long since crossed over into the mainstream. This phenomenon has created various cottage industries specializing in all things Hip Hop. Wearing a chain or donning some shiny earrings symbolizes the promotion of the Hip Hop lifestyle. It bellows out the success of an individual in the ability to procure these expensive items. Diamonds and gold have become the ornaments of Hip Hop, the outwardly physical manifestation of wealth.
Many of us have seen music videos starring rappers such as Nelly, 50 cent and Eminem. They are usually equipped with the finest women, the fastest cars and the most heavily diamond laced jewelry. This trend started early in as commercially successful rap legends such as LL Cool J sported thick gold chains drawing the attention of all Hip Hop fans across the world. Here was the beginning of the establishment of a cultural trend spanning from fashion to language.
Have you heard of terms such as bling, grillz and iced out? You might know what some of these terms mean even if you're not a rap fan. These are words used to describe the various states of diamond jewelry. You're diamond watch is definitely blinging(shining, glittering). If you ever win the lottery you might consider having diamonds attached to your teeth representing your grillz. Or you could buy a heavily iced out pendant to match your bling watch and your frosty grillz. And so on and so forth. Ok, so let's go back to that kid in the mall with the chain. He's probably working at Burger King and won't be cashing any stocks soon that would allow him to purchase a pair of 1CT princess cut diamond earrings worth $5,000. Instead, he is going for the next best thing. The "fake" diamond, otherwise know as cubic zirconia.
Cubic Zirconia can be easily mistaken for a diamond. In fact, one factor in identifying a stone is noting it's brilliance. CZ stones are actually more brilliant, more symmetrical and exhibit more fire(the dispersion of white light into a rainbow of colors) than real diamonds. CZ forms naturally although the type used in jewelry is man made. Generally, the best CZ is produced in labs in Russia. So why are diamonds so much more valuable? The popularity of diamonds as a wearable gemstone increased in the 19th century as cutting and polishing practices improved. Diamonds had primarily been used industrially as they are able to cut through most materials. Diamonds are the hardest gemstones known to many making them scratch resistant and easily polished. As a result of their legendary durability and the brilliance and fire they exhibit, diamonds have become the standard gemstone for the most important and valuable forms of jewelry, in particular, .
Regardless of the value of diamonds vs. CZ, economically there is no comparison. In order for those Hip Hop fans to achieve the look and feel of their idols they have turned invariably to cubic zirconia.
I can't think of any industry where the pioneers are less regarded and disrespected then they are in the hip hop industry. In football names like John Madden, Joe Montana and Dan Marino are placed on pedestals and the players and coaches who come after them have nothing but the utmost respect and admiration for them. In boxing which is one of the more violent sports, legends like Muhammad Ali and Sugar Ray Leonard are adored by all. Maybe it's a music thing? Nope, that's not it either. If you look at the reception that the Rolling Stones or Paul McCartney receive at their concerts or the box office tally for the Johnny Cash and Ray Charles movies you would see that there is definitely a respect and demand for these legends.
There is a saying that goes "without those who came before us, we would not be able to accomplish what we do every day!" So why is it in the world of Hip Hop that if you came out during a certain time period or if you haven't made an album in a while that you are considered a has-been. I know the demographic for hip hop fans falls into the generation x category who many people claim are the "what have you done for me lately" generation but that still doesn't excuse this conduct. Not only are hip hop pioneers disregarded and unheralded they are often the target of the newer breed of hip hop artists. For some reason the artist in the hip hop industry feel threatened by their pioneers rather then fortunate. Instead of embracing these pioneers they often disrespect and denounce them. Yes, it may be true that past great hip hop artist have already had their time but I can't understand how that in anyway infringes on the current hip hop star's time. It seems the hip hop industry is in a state where their artist's understand the quickest way to get a reputation is to try to discredit a previously established artists reputation. Unlike in sports, movies and other genres of the music industry where it is common place to have the proverbial torch handed to the next generation of starts, hip hop artists feel as though it is their duty to take that torch.
It is clear to see that the state that hip hop is currently in is that of a dog eat dog manner, but this doesn't excuse the fact that these hip hop artist are turning their back on the ones who truly paved the way for them and can still be of great service. It is quite saddening to watch a pioneer attempt to make a comeback only to have their legs cut from underneath them by the very artists they indirectly helped create. The hip hop fans are so influenced by the new crop of hip hop artists that they themselves do not have the time of day for the pioneers who helped build this hip hop empire. Hopefully one day the true pioneers of hip hop will be rewarded and respected as they so obviously deserve.
Both Derek Belay & Michael Russell are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Derek Belay has sinced written about articles on various topics from Home Management, Jewelry and Silver Jewelry. Derek Belay holds a BA in English Literature from Cal State Pomona. He writes part time primarily as a hobby. He currently works for as a marketing. Derek Belay's top article generates over 14800 views. to your Favourites.
Michael Russell has sinced written about articles on various topics from Celebrities, Dieting and Diabetes Treatment. Michael RussellYour Independent guide to . Michael Russell's top article generates over 2240000 views. to your Favourites.