Heist Out, Iced Out: A Look into Custom Jewelry Choices of Modern Rappers
In the world of rap, being convicted of a crime is almost as inevitable as having a chart-topping hit. However, these incarcerated rappers have also given birth to a new trend in the rap game - custom jewelry choices. Decking oneself with diamonds (“icing”) contrasts sharply with the environment and connotations of prison, but rap culture has produced a deep and symbolic relationship between them. For individuals transitioning from incarceration back to society, custom extravagant jewelry represents a reclaimed identity and status, marking both a physical and symbolic break from confinement and oppression.
Courtesy of Raymond Boyd/Getty Images. Rapper B.G. served a 14-year federal prison sentence for weapons possession and obstruction of justice. Since his release, he recommitted to music.
To start, the term "icing" refers to the practice of drenching jewelry in diamonds, making it look like it's covered in ice. It's said to have originated in the streets, where criminals would buy cheap jewelry and cover it in diamonds to make it appear more valuable. However, as the trend caught on in the rap world, high-end jewelry designers began creating custom pieces specifically designed for "icing out".
The king of "trap" music (a Southern genre of hip-hop music), Gucci Mane, is also known for doing time and by fellow artists as the “King” of jewelry. In an interview with GQ, Gucci shared that his “infatuation” with jewelry began in childhood, inspired by his father,who Gucci claims “conned” people out of jewelry. As Gucci’s wealth grew, he has fueled his obsessed with jaw-dropping pieces.
Gucci Mane shows off some of his collection. Courtesy of GQ Magazine.
Starting at the left, Gucci wears a 35-carat diamond pinky ring. Every stone on this band is roughly a carat in size, each encased in a lavish spread of micro-diamond pavé settings. It's worth noting that Gucci has a penchant for extravagant pinky rings. With this piece likely valued at over $1 million, Gucci Mane's status as a jewelry icon is undisputed. Next, is Gucci’s Bvlgari Octo L’Originale Diamonds Watch. This exquisite timepiece features an octagonal case, luxuriously encrusted with baguette diamonds. Finally, Gucci’s iconic Cuban link chain crafted by Pristine Jewelers weighs 22 pounds – Gucci boasts it is the biggest Cuban link ever crafted. Gifted to Gucci by his wife, this chain has been featured in numerous of his music videos. Finally, a review of his collection would be remiss not to include the Ice Cream pendant, captured below on Gucci performing live.
Gucci Mane’s Ice Cream pendant. Courtesy of Real Hip Hop Media on Flickr.
50 Cent, never one to shy away from making a statement started the trend of customizing initials and symbols into jewelry, creating the famous "G-Unit" chain following his time in prison. The chain features a diamond-encrusted "G" surrounded by a unit of bullet casings, symbolizing his rough upbringing in the streets.
That’s got to weigh a lot. Courtesy of Complex.
In rap, jewelry is not just an accessory; it's a declaration of achievement, a tangible manifestation of overcoming obstacles and attaining wealth against the odds. Music videos in rap often showcase extravagant pieces—chains, rings, watches, and grillz—as a form of self-expression and as markers of authenticity and prestige within the community. This ostentatious display communicates the artist's journey from rags to riches, embodying the genre's themes of resilience, ambition, and the pursuit of success.
Here’s some more famous jewelry from your favorite convicted musicians. These two rappers may not be at the forefront of custom jewelry choices, but they are by no means alone. Among them, Lil Wayne's $1 million "Chopard" chain from Birdman and Meek Mill's "Dream Chasers" medallion (pictured below) stand out for their unique usage of white diamonds.
Meek Mill’s Dream Chaser’s Medallion from Shyne Jewelers in Philadelphia, PA. Courtesy of Rap-Up.
Snoop Dogg’s “Death Row Records” chain from Super Bowl LVI. Courtesy of the LA Times.
Wiz Khalifa’s “P” chain — No, the P is not for Penn! P is for Pittsburg! Courtesy of Pinterest.
Custom jewelry choices have become an integral part of the rap game. Convicted rappers have used their time behind bars to think of new and innovative designs. From ice cream cones to bullet casings, these custom pieces serve as a symbol of their past, present, and future, and are a testament to the enduring impact of rap culture on the world of fashion. From Uzi’s iced-out "Marilyn Manson” pendant to Gucci Mane’s “1017” pendant, these rappers have used their time behind bars to elevate their jewelry game to new heights.
So the next time you see one of these iced-out rappers freestyling with ease, take a moment to appreciate their creativity and style behind bars.
Featured image courtesy of Highsnobiety.