NPR

The history of hip-hop, told through bling

The extravagant jewelry worn by hip-hop artists has meaning beyond the shiny surfaces.
Slick Rick is known for his eyepatch and the crowns he often wears.

Flavor Flav's clock. Nicki Minaj's Barbie pendant. Slick Rick's crown and eyepatch. These are famous symbols of hip-hop. But perhaps the most iconic piece of them all is Ghostface Killah's eagle cuff.

The gold bracelet weighs 5 pounds and features an eagle, wings outstretched, landing on the cuff. And it's

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