The Shine Hip-hop's most popular jeweler tells the story behind creating icy art works for rap stars, these works are completely unparalleled. Text: William Ketchum Editor's note: This story originally appeared in the 2021 summer issue of XXL magazine and is now on the booth.

Jewelry in hip-hop may not be as important as beats, rhymes, and graffiti, but it can be as powerful as a tool for self-expression. Whether it is the huge gold rope worn by Run-DMC in the 1980s, the Golden Eagle bracelet by Ghostface Killah in the 1990s, or the Bart Simpson pendant by Gucci Mane in the 2000s, bling has always been a status symbol in hip-hop. Even before Cash Money Records popularized the term. The icy jewelry allows rappers to brag about their success, show off their personality, represent their staff or celebrate an immortal moment. They also used their necklaces, bracelets, rings, grills and earrings to show off each other, added another forum for friendly competitions, and even expressed their love for their comrades by customizing a customized piece as a gift.

For fans, seeing the rapper’s jewelry will evoke fond memories of the moments and personalities in hip-hop music that made this genre special. Slick Rick's large number of golden ropes makes people miss the golden age of hip-hop. The well-respected Roc-A-Fella Records chain is still the pride of young artists, and they have access to this, even if the record company disbanded many years ago. The 50 Cent spinning G-Unit medal flashes back to one of the most dominant rap music ever. Cam'ron's battery-powered globe is as charming as his rap style, and Travis Scott's Astroworld pendant complements the whimsical and expansive nature of his music.

Behind every memorable work of art is a jeweler who is willing to push the boundaries of creativity, gem setting, and technology-all of which are designed to stop the world when customers walk into the room or post on Instagram. XXL interviewed the 10 most popular jewelers in the industry. They are from Jacob & Co., Johnny Dang & Co., Icebox, Jason of Beverly Hills, Pristine Jewelers, Avianne & Co. Jewelers, Jewelry Unlimited, Kilani Jewellery, Greg Yüna Learn about the story behind their hip-hop masterpiece with Johnny's Custom Jewelry. --William Ketchum

Check out more information about the XXL 2021 Summer Issue, including our interviews with the freshman class cover of 42 Dugg, Iann Dior, Coi Leray, Pooh Shiesty, Flo Milli, Morray, Rubi Rose, Blxst, Toosii, Lakeyah, and DDG. Produced by Nick Mira’s in-depth conversation with Ski Mask The Slump God about his comeback this year, and Moneybagg Yo’s candid discussions about his new music, family, and independent record company. Look at the performance of the 2020 XXL freshman class since last year. , Doing lines with Jack Harlow, Lil Tecca talked about his expectations for his upcoming We Love You Tecca 2 album, music video director Cole Bennett got an in-depth understanding of his Lyrical Lemonade empire, and so on.