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New Scientist recommends Ice Cold: An exhibition of hip-hop jewelry

The books, TV, games and more that New Scientist staff have enjoyed this week

By Grace Wade

29 May 2024

Nicki Minaj???s iconic Barbie pendant???which boasts 54.47 carats of diamonds on 18-karat gold and bright Barbie-pink enamel???was made by Ashna Mehta in 2022 and is the most recent commissioned by Minaj, whose first Barbie pendant dates to 2009.

American Museum of Natural History

I was invited to the recent opening of Ice Cold: An exhibition of hip-hop jewelry at the American Museum of Natural History in New York. The display showcased lavish pieces, from Nicki Minaj’s diamond-studded “Barbie” pendant (pictured above) to a hefty gold chain depicting Jesus once owned by Biggie Smalls. The collection represents the individual identities of the rappers as well as their broader impact on hip-hop and culture. It is a nice addition to the museum’s extensive gems and minerals hall, especially as New York is the birthplace of hip-hop.

I have also been reading This is Your Mind…

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